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The Detroit Tigers recorded four hits and struck out 11 times in a 2-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park.
And... that’s it? Willi Castro doubled in the bottom of the first inning, but was stranded at third base to end the inning. The Tigers didn’t record another hit until the fourth inning, and didn’t put another runner into scoring position for the remainder of the game. Cleveland starter Mike Clevinger struck out 10 and did not walk a batter in eight scoreless innings for his 10th win of the season. Closer Brad Hand worked a scoreless ninth for his 33rd save.
On the other side of the ball, Daniel Norris allowed just a single run — a solo shot from Francisco Lindor — in three innings of work. He left the game with head athletic trainer Doug Teter, but his blister issue does not appear to be a concern. Meanwhile, it was the third straight strong outing from Norris, whose tandem work with Drew VerHagen might be worth a further look next season.
Daniel Norris' last three 3 IP starts all against AL playoff contenders (Rays, Astros, CLE)
— Getting You Through the Tigers Rebuild (@Tigers_Rebuild) August 29, 2019
Norris' stats in said 3 starts:
9 IP, 9 K, 5 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 1 HR
Small sample size to be sure, but if this is the how you get the best out Norris, you do it on a consistent basis in 2020
Speaking of VerHagen, he too had another solid day, allowing just one run on five hits in four innings. In his three outings following Norris, VerHagen has allowed a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings. The strikeouts might be a concern — he only has seven in those three appearances — but he only walked one batter in this game.
Jose Cisnero and Matt Hall threw scoreless innings in relief to close out the loss.