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Going into Wednesday’s afternoon matchup against the Cleveland Indians, the Tigers were within each of tying for first in the AL Central. It would have felt like sweet, sweet justice to sweep the Indians after all the misery they’ve caused the Tigers in recent years — and winning the series certainly felt good — but alas the Tigers were unable to claim victory today.
In fact, they were unable to claim a single run.
After the Tigers beat up the Cleveland bullpen last night, the Indians were hoping their starter Trevor Bauer would be able to go as far into the game as possible to give their beleaguered relievers a bit of a break. Bauer delivered, going eight strong innings and giving up only four hits in the process. His final line for the day was 8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K on 108 pitches. The Tigers just couldn’t find their offensive pop with Bauer on the mound, and Cody Allen came in to shut them down in the ninth, giving up only one hit before striking out the side.
Ryan Carpenter, making a spot start for the Tigers, got beaten up. He ended the day after five innings of work with 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 1 HR and 88 pitches thrown. You did read that right, not a single strike collected against the Indians. He was relieved by Artie Lewicki, just called up from Triple-A last night. Lewicki dazzled in relief, making a case for himself in for future spot-start needs. He pitched the final four innings and fanned four Indians batters, giving up only three hits, a single walk, and no runs.
None of the Tigers batters were able to collect more than a single hit against Bauer. Niko Goodrum was among them, continuing to find the ball well, even against seasoned vets like Bauer. In fact, only the guys at the bottom of the lineup were able to get anything done, with hits coming from Goodrum, Mikie Mahtook, Grayson Greiner, Jose Iglesias, and Dixon Machado.
Unfortunately none of those hits manifested in a run, and the Tigers were shutout. They head west to Seattle to see the Mariners — who are now without Robinson Cano and likely Nelson Cruz — for a four game series, as they continue to eye a climb to first.