Astros 6, Tigers 3: Home runs turn the game on Spencer Turnbull

The Detroit Tigers came close to beating the Houston Astros on Monday, but in game two of the series, the Astros were able to get to Spencer Turnbull early, drive up his pitch count, and knock him out after just three innings. Despite a lead-off home run from Victor Reyes, the Tigers offense was not able to score more than three runs for the 71st time this season. They lost 6-3, their fourth loss in a row. Sadly, it was the 10th time this year they have lost at least four games in a row.

Though Reyes went deep to start the game, George Springer and Jose Altuve hit back-to-back home runs to lead off the bottom of the inning. Then, the Astros scored three more runs in the bottom of the second inning and the Tigers found themselves in an early hole. Spencer Turnbull found himself on the wrong side of a pitch count, at 53 in just two innings.

In the top of the third inning, the Tigers loaded the bases on a double, a walk, and an infield single. Miguel Cabrera drew a bases loaded walk to score a run, and then Dawel Lugo grounded out to score another run. It ended Astros starter Aaron Sanchez’s day, but it would also end the scoring for the Tigers in this game. Though they managed a hit in every inning except the ninth once Sanchez left, they could not string together multiple hits.

Matt Hall did well in relief, but allowed a solo home run to Martin Maldonado in the fifth inning. Jose Cisnero and David McKay pitched three combined scoreless and hitless innings. But all it did was preserve the score until the finial pitch from Roberto Osuna to seal the game for the Astros. The Tigers will try for a win on Wednesday against Justin Verlander. Fun.