Tigers 4, Twins 1: Detroit avoids the sweep

The Detroit Tigers got out of Minneapolis with at least one win, taking the third game of their series against the Minnesota Twins by a 3-1 tally.

The Tigers got on the board early against Twins’ starter Kyle Gibson, as Leonys Martin came home on a sacrifice fly from Victor Martinez. The Twins would immediately answer back as Brian Dozier continued his dominance of Tigers pitching, lacing a double into (literally) the top of the center field wall. He would come around to score on a base hit from Eddie Rosario.

It would be smooth sailing for both Michael Fulmer and Gibson until the top of the fourth inning as Niko Goodrum, facing his former team, launched a two-run home run, his fifth of the season, to right field to give the Tigers a 3-1 advantage.

Things would stay quiet until JaCoby Jones delivered a base hit, scoring Goodrum and extending the Tigers’ lead to 4-1 before Shane Greene retired the side in order to secure the victory.

Pitching proves dependable

Looking to carry momentum after one of his stronger starts as a Tiger in Seattle his last time out, Fulmer largely did so as he held the Twins at bay over 5 ²⁄₃ innings of work, striking out five and allowing one run on four hits. He relied heavily upon his fastball, consistently sitting between 95 and 96 mph, touching 97 occasionally. However, this outing was shorter than Ron Gardenhire wanted for his ace, largely due to an elevated pitch count of 112, which was aided by three walks.

In relief of Fulmer, both Louis Coleman (two strikeouts in 1 ¹⁄₃ innings), Joe Jimenez, and Greene all got through their time on the mound with minimal issues.

Solid bats

The lion’s share of the Tigers’ production came from their 2-3-4 hitters, with Castellanos, Martinez, and Goodrum each recording two hits and driving in every run. The bottom of the Tigers’ order showed up later in the game, with Grayson Greiner recording a base hit and a walk and Iglesias reached on a hard-hit ball that resulted in a force out at home.

But they weren’t without struggles. Martin’s infield single to lead off the game was his first hit since returning from the disabled list and he would go 0-for-4 for the rest of the game. Dixon Machado continued his recent troubles as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

On deck

Following a day off on Thursday, the Tigers will open a lengthy home stand as they host the Chicago White Sox for a weekend series. Mike Fiers will toe the rubber for the Tigers, while his opponent on the mound is yet to be determined. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m. You can watch on Fox Sports Detroit or listen in on the Detroit Tigers radio network.