The Detroit Tigers lost 9-4 to the Minnesota Twins on Aug. 6 despite homers from Torkelson and Carpenter. Jack Flaherty struggled as pitching faltered.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The crack of the bat echoed three times through Comerica Park on Wednesday, each time sending a ball over the fence and injecting hope into the Detroit faithful. But in a frustrating turn of events, a powerful offensive display wasn't enough to overcome a rough night on the mound, as the Tigers ultimately fell to the division-rival Minnesota Twins, 9-4.
Kerry Carpenter's two-run shot briefly gave Detroit a 4-3 lead in the third inning.
The game started with a bang as Zach McKinstry launched a leadoff homer. Spencer Torkelson followed with his 24th of the year, and Kerry Carpenter's two-run blast in the third inning put the Tigers ahead 4-3, making it feel like Detroit's night. However, the lead was short-lived. Starter Jack Flaherty battled but couldn't escape the fifth inning, ultimately taking the loss after allowing six runs in 4 2/3 frames. The bullpen couldn't stop the bleeding, as Tyler Holton surrendered back-to-back homers in the sixth. A potential rally in the eighth was snuffed out by an inning-ending double play, sealing a disappointing outcome.
If there's a silver lining to a tough loss, it's knowing who's coming next. The Tigers will get a much-needed day off on Thursday before welcoming the Los Angeles Angels to town, and they'll be handing the ball to their ace. All-Star Tarik Skubal is slated to make the start, bringing his sparkling 11-3 record and minuscule 2.18 ERA to the mound. Whenever Skubal pitches, the Tigers have more than a fighting chance; they have an expectation to win. His presence is the perfect antidote to a deflating loss.
While the big league club battled the Twins, the front office continued to make subtle depth moves. The team recently signed right-handed pitcher Matt Stil to a minor league contract. He is expected to report to the farm system, providing another arm for the organization's pipeline. On the health front, the Tigers escaped Wednesday with no new injuries or roster moves to report, which is always a welcome piece of non-news during the grind of a long season.
It was a frustrating night at Comerica Park, a classic case of 'so close, yet so far.' While the loss stings, the Tigers remain a strong 66-49. With a day off to reset and their undisputed ace Tarik Skubal ready to take the ball against the Angels, it's time to shake this one off. One tough game doesn't define a season, especially when your best pitcher is waiting in the wings.
