The Detroit Tigers failed, once again, to play the spoiler, as the Milwaukee Brewers pulled even in the National League Central race with another 6-5 victory.
The Tigers would strike first again, with a Niko Goodrum RBI single plating JaCoby Jones in the top of the first inning. Goodrum would further expand the Tigers’ advantage to 3-0 with a two-run triple in the third.
The Brewers stormed back with two more runs in the bottom half of the third, when Christian Yelich launched a two-run home run, his second of the series. They would then get to Daniel Norris and take control in the bottom of the fourth, with an RBI double from Jonathan Schoop, who would subsequently score on a single from Erik Kratz, taking a 5-3 lead.
The Tigers inched back in the fifth inning as Nicholas Castellanos launched his 23rd home run of the season, a solo shot, to make it 5-4. They would then tie the game on a Pete Kozma sacrifice fly in the sixth. Castellanos nearly gave the Tigers the lead, but a leaping catch by Yelich at the wall ended the threat. The Brewers would re-take the lead in the bottom of the seventh on Yelich’s second home run of the game, a solo shot, to make it 6-5. The back end of the Brewers’ bullpen would, once again, prove too much for the Tigers, as they cruised through the later innings to victory.
Damn, Daniel
Tonight was a showcase of both the good and the bad for Daniel Norris. On the one hand, he surrendered five runs, all earned, on six hits in just 4 2⁄3 innings of work. On the other, he struck out eight batters, his season-high, during that same time. While they hoped for another strong start from the young left-hander, they didn’t necessarily get it. But he certainly has value as the team sets its sights on a continued rebuild.
Going streaking
Goodrum’s first inning single extended his hitting streak to seven games. He would finish the day with two hits, a walk, and three RBIs. Dawel Lugo continued his streak of firsts, recording his first career triple the night after hitting his first major league home run.
As a team, on the flip side, tonight marks the Tigers’ fourth straight loss, marking the ninth time this season that a losing streak has reached four games or longer. They will look to avoid making it five straight tomorrow afternoon.
On deck
The Tigers wrap up the 2018 season tomorrow afternoon, where they will once again attempt to play the part of spoiler to the Brewers’ NL Central division title hopes. Spencer Turnbull will look to build on a solid last start as he faces a yet-to-be-determined pitcher for the Brewers. First pitch is slated for 3:10 p.m. You can watch on Fox Sports Detroit or listen in on your local affiliate of the Detroit Tigers radio network.
Poll
Who was the Tigers’ player of the game?
This poll is closed
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55%
Niko Goodrum
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36%
Nick Castellanos
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9%
Other