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. Or, you know, at least get them back on schedule. Now, onto the recap!
The simulated Detroit Tigers managed just three hits, dropping a 6-0 decision to Jake Odorizzi and the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday evening at Comerica Park. Matthew Boyd worked a garden variety quality start (six innings, three runs allowed) but was saddled with his fifth loss of the year.
As usual, the home run ball is what got Boyd into trouble. The Tigers’ ace gave up a two-run shot to Eddie Rosario in the second, then a Nelson Cruz solo shot in the fourth, his 27th of the season. Boyd only gave up five hits in all, and struck out three in the losing effort.
The Twins added three more runs against righthander David McKay in the ninth. McKay retired the first two hitters he faced, but Cruz sent a double to the left field wall, starting off a two-out rally. McKay then walked Rosario after a long battle, and Clint Frazier misplayed a Marwin Gonzalez into a two-run triple, blowing the game wide open.
On the other side, Odorizzi was dominant from the start. He pounded the strike zone all game long and struck out eight Tigers hitters without issuing a walk. Though the Tigers started to make a bit of hard contact towards the end, Odorizzi was able to finish off the shutout on 102 pitches.
Check out our full simulation stats here!