The Tigers were the last undefeated team in the league going into Sunday’s series finale against the Baltimore Orioles. With Justin Verlander on the mound, it looked like it was going to stay that way. However, Chris Tillman had other plans leading the Orioles to a 3-1 victory.
The Tigers struck first in the fourth with a solo shot by Tori Hunter. This now makes three consecutive games where Hunter has homered. This is not the first time that he has achieved this feat. This streak marks the fourth time that Hunter has homered in three consecutive games in his career. Back in 2006, he had his only four game homer streak.
The Tigers only had four other hits besides the Hunter home run. Victor Martinez was responsible for two of them including a double. The other two singles came from Miguel Cabrera and Nick Castellanos. Rookie Tyler Collins is still looking for his first hit of the season.
Justin Verlander pitched well through eight innings giving up two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out three. Verlander moved in fourth place on the Tigers’ all-time strikeout list with 1,674. He has five strikeouts on the season in his two starts.
Chris Tillman was a difference maker for the Orioles as he pitched into the ninth. Tillman gave up one run on five hits before allowing Tommy Hunter to get the final two outs. He now has an ERA of 1.35 after consecutive one run starts. In his last start, he gave up a solo shot to Grady Sizemore.
While the offense has been doing its part to win games, the bullpen has done the opposite. The Tigers have given up 17 runs this season and 9 of them have come in the 9th inning. It may not be hurting them now but this is a problem that could cost them many wins in the future. Relievers currently have an ERA of 6.08 compared to the 1.93 of starters.
Joe Nathan has had a rough start but should put it together eventually. Phil Coke hasn’t been reliable for some time and Joba Chamberlain doesn’t look any better. Al Alburquerque has also had a rough start giving up two runs in three innings of work. The Tigers will have to make a move if they don’t find consistency in the bullpen.
Former Tigers’ closer Jose Valverde has found a new closer role with the New York Mets. He has one save in three appearances and has struck out six. That sounds good on paper but in his one save opportunity he had two on and one out before recording the final two outs. It doesn’t sound like the Tigers are missing out on anything for the time being.
The Tigers now start a five game road trip with a two game series versus the Dodgers on Tuesday. They will then travel to San Diego for a three game series against the Padres.
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