Detroit is off to a surprising 4-0 start.
Over the past nine years, the Detroit Tigers have been trying to get back into the picture. They have struggled with poor beginnings early in two of the last three seasons. If they could just avoid making the same mistakes early on in the season, the squad went into this one optimistic about their chances of competing in the American League Central.
It doesn’t seem that will be an issue after four games—and four victories.
Following a three-game weekend sweep of the Chicago White Sox, A.J. Hinch’s club went to Citi Field on Monday night to play the winless New York Mets. Another interesting young arm for the Detroit Tigers, Reese Olson, pitched 5.2 scoreless innings. Lefty Sean Manea of the Mets matched him with six of his own. The game was tied 0-0 at the top of the tenth inning due to excellent bullpens from both sides.
Then the Detroit Tigers managed to win a tight game, just like they had in their previous three one-run wins. On a ground ball by Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson advanced from second base to third base to start the inning. Pitcher Mark Canha was struck by one. After that, Colt Keith, a pinch hitter, knocked a single far enough down the hole for Jeff McNeil to mishandle the opportunity. Gio Urshela attempted a comeback, but reliever Michael Tonkin was unable to handle it, and Javy Baez hoisted a sacrifice fly with bases full to second. With a no-doubt three-run home drive to left, Carson Kelly then put the game out of reach.
The Detroit Tigers won 5-0 thanks to three consecutive outs recorded by Shelby Miller in the bottom of the tenth inning.
There are just four games left, and audacious promises made in April tend to fade in the July heat like milk. However, it appears that this squad is figuring out how to win quickly. such as one that may be far higher than what the experts had predicted. People will need to see more, and some skepticism may have been justified given the numerous restarts and stops.
However, with some squinting, one may discern the outline of a legitimate squad. Someone who will need to clench their jaw, persevere through the last innings, utilize their whole bench, and hold on for dear life. However, one who will treasure such times and lead a tense life.
The all-too-familiar early-season catastrophe is still to come. With seven games against the Minnesota Twins coming up in the upcoming month, the Detroit Tigers may be in the driver’s seat rather than in the cellar.
Such a shift would be appreciated.
