Astros 5, Tigers 1: Another poor start by Alfredo Simon sinks Detroit

Alfredo Simon had another bad night, the Detroit Tigers offense disappeared, and the bullpen was its usual inefficient self. The end result was a 5-1 loss at the hands of the Houston Astros to start a three-game series.

Simon did what Simon does best. Started out adequate enough through four innings and then fell apart in the fifth. Manager Brad Ausmus tried to squeeze something that wasn't there out of Simon in the sixth. It resulted in a leadoff triple. You don't need pitcher-batter matchups to know that Simon collapses after about four innings yet Ausmus trucks him out there regardless. And the Tigers paid for it.

Tom Gorzelanny also gave up a run but it should be noted that he struck out the first batter he faced before the Astros laid down a sac bunt. He then struck out the final batter of the sixth inning. In all, it was a solid outing, and not something that we've been able to say much about Gorzelanny this year. We'll take it.

With Detroit's pitching offering no help, the offense was chirping crickets at Minute Maid Park. The Tigers got just their second hit in the fourth inning on a leadoff single by Ian Kinsler. In his first game back from being on the DL for what seemed like forever, Miguel Cabrera worked his second walk of the game to put two on. Victor Martinez then singled to right, scoring Kinsler.

That would be all the Tigers would get for run support. Both teams were matched for hits -- six apiece -- but Dallas Keuchel remained unbeaten in his home ballpark. He is now 11-0 at home in Houston.

ROARS:

Victor Martinez: Got the Tigers' only run of the game on an RBI single to right field.

HISSES:

Alfredo Simon: Five innings, six hits, four runs (all earned), four walks, and two strikeouts. Need we say more?

Tigers offense: Didn't catch the flight to Houston. Missed the bus and stranded in the desert. We'll let you know if they ever show up.

STREAKS AND STATS:

• Alex Wilson gave up a run in the eighth inning, his first allowed in 13 outings since July 7. For reference, the Tigers were in third place in the AL Central and seven games behind first place at the time. Friday night marked the first outing Wilson made since Aug. 6 as he had missed a couple of games due to right shoulder fatigue.

WIN PROBABILITY GRAPH:

Source: FanGraphs