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 put a little more pressure on Minnesota Twins pitching on Thursday, but came away empty again in a 3-0 loss at Comerica Park to close out their three-game series. Michael Fulmer had a strong outing, but was saddled with the hard-luck loss.
This time, the Tigers left 10 runners on base in the losing effort, and hit into four double plays to boot. They had several scoring chances, but none more frustrating than in the first. Victor Reyes singled to lead off the game, then Jeimer Candelario lined a pitch to the right field wall. Reyes rounded third base a bit too far on the play, and was nabbed coming back to the bag on a strong relay throw for the first out of the inning — and Candelario ran all the way back to first, because video games.
The Tigers threatened again in the second, putting two runners on base with one out. But Twins starter Kenta Maeda was able to induce a ground ball from Jake Rogers, and the Twins turned their first double play of the afternoon to end the inning.
On the other side, the Twins once again used the long ball to down the Tigers. Nelson Cruz — who else? — and Eddie Rosario both homered for the second day in a row. Both homers were solo shots, and were the only real threat Minnesota was able to mount against Michael Fulmer. The Tigers’ righthander worked seven innings in the losing effort, and struck out two. Tyler Alexander gave up a run in the eighth, but was able to work out of a jam to limit the damage.
But, like a pair of fly balls with runners on base in the later innings, the Tigers’ efforts died at the warning track. They loaded the bases against Maeda in the sixth, but Nelson Cruz, a proven elite defender in right field, robbed Christin Stewart of extra bases with a catch at the wall to end the inning. Harold Castro got a hold of a pitch with a runner on base in the seventh, but the ball died at the wall, and Rogers was doubled off first base.
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