On one hand, fifth-starter candidate Andy Oliver showed some control today ...
The Free Press reported on Twitter
Oliver threw 67 pitches, 40 strikes. Two runners aboard now would be charged to him.
On the other hand, the control may have come at a steep cost.
In 3+ innings on the mound, the left-handed starter allowed six earned runs on seven hits and two walks. Three of those hits were doubles. He fanned two. His spring training ERA is at 5.17.
Oliver will apparently get one more opportunity to prove himself before the Tigers have to select a man to fill the roster, but you dont need me to tell you the start today did nothing to bolster his cause.
Another pitcher trying to earn a spot on the roster stumbled a bit as well. Right-handed reliever Luis Marte allowed two runs on a home run, though he did strike out two to get out of the inning after that.
Maybe the Astros were just feeling their wild oats today. They did put 14 runs on the board with 13 hits (and seven walks).
On Detroit's end of the equation, Brennan Boesch hit another home run, but Austin Jackson's in-the-park version of the same was probably a lot more exciting to watch. Danny Worth doubled for the only other extra-base hit off a Tiger's bat.
In "players we're keeping track of" results: Brandon Inge finally got a hit and walk. Worth had two hits. Andy Dirks drove in a run with a sac fly.
Drew Smyly is scheduled to start Wednesday. We'll see how he does as Survivor: Lakeland gets closer to its exciting conclusion!