Like many of our friends throughout the SB Nation network, we are simulating the 2020 MLB season with MLB The Show 20. While we are unable to stream the games as they would otherwise be happening, we will try to get ahead of the curve and post about the games on the same day they would have taken place. Now, onto the recap!
Like they have so many times in real life, the simulation Detroit Tigers had trouble with the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The Tigers gave up four home runs to Angels hitters and couldn’t string enough hits of their own together in a 7-2 loss at Comerica Park.
For the second start in a row, Matthew Boyd couldn’t quite put hitters away, and it cost him. He opened the second inning by walking the left-handed Tommy La Stella, and then gave up a triple to known slugger Erick Salcedo. Boyd then got ahead of Albert Pujols in a 1-2 count, but the veteran showed glimpses of his former self by hitting a hustle double down the right field line to put the Angels up 2-0.
More trouble followed for Boyd after that. The Tigers tied the score in the bottom of the second, but Boyd quickly gave it away when he hung a fastball to Andrelton Simmons, who homered to deep left field. Then, after putting Salcedo in a 1-2 hole in the fourth, the 26-year-old home run machine hit an elevated fastball into the seats for a solo shot, his second of the year.
The Tigers, facing Angels ace Shohei Ohtani, were nearly able to keep pace, but not quite. Jonathan Schoop answered the Angels’ 2-0 lead with a two-run opposite field homer in the second inning, his first of the year. Then, after Los Angeles went up 4-2, the Tigers answered with three walks in a single inning. Unfortunately, they ran themselves out of any run-scoring opportunities. Jeimer Candelario was picked off of first base, and Victor Reyes was caught trying to steal second on a controversial play. Cameron Maybin walked with two outs, giving the Tigers another runner, but Miguel Cabrera struck out on what would have been Ohtani’s fourth walk of the frame.
Unfortunately, that would be the Tigers’ last real threat. They amassed just two more hits over the final five innings, and relievers Anthony Castro and Shao-Ching Chiang combined to allow three runs, giving the Angels plenty of cushion.
Lineup notes
If there was a positive to come from this game, it’s that Jonathan Schoop finally snapped his long hitless streak. The 28-year-old is batting just .125/.192/.188 on the season, but had two hits in this game, including his first home run of the year.
Regardless, I bumped him down to seventh in the lineup because C.J. Cron has been hitting much better overall.
Victor Reyes - CF
Cameron Maybin - RF
Miguel Cabrera - DH
Christin Stewart - LF
C.J. Cron - 1B
Niko Goodrum - SS
Jonathan Schoop - 2B
Austin Romine - C
Jeimer Candelario - 3B