The Tigers crumbled in a 11-2 loss against the Cubs on Tuesday night, with Cubs All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong reaching safely four times and making a highlight-reel catch to kill Detroit's first chance.
The loss marked a stark contrast to Monday's 10-inning victory, as the Tigers' offense failed to generate much of anything until the game was far out of reach. The team's pitching woes continued, with Framber Valdez (5-7) getting knocked out of the first inning and Dillon Dingler's late two-run home run being the lone bright spot for the Tigers.
Detroit made a move earlier in the day to help an overworked bullpen, recalling Ty Madden from Triple-A Toledo. However, the move ultimately backfired, with Madden struggling through 3 1/3 innings to give his bullpen mates a rest.
Cubs starter David Peterson (5-7) had a strong outing, humming through the first 6 2/3 innings to scatter three hits and a walk while striking out four. The Cubs' offense was led by Crow-Armstrong, who went 2 for 2 with three walks and made a dashing catch at the center field wall to kill Detroit's first chance.
The Tigers' bullpen was also put to the test, with infielder Zach McKinstry pitching the seventh and catcher Jake Rogers pitching the eighth. McKinstry allowed two runs and walked three while throwing gently overhand, while Rogers left the bases loaded with a pair of strikeouts to end the frame.
The loss was a tough pill to swallow for the Tigers, who still have a chance to win their fourth straight road series with a victory on Wednesday night. The team also placed right-hander Jack Flaherty on the 15-day injured list shortly before the first pitch with right flexor inflammation.
Dingler hit his 22nd homer off Aaron Civale – his third in two games – in the ninth to prevent a shutout. Despite the loss, the Tigers have a chance to bounce back and make a push for the playoffs.
The team will look to regroup and refocus for their next game against the Cubs, with a chance to take the series and gain some much-needed momentum.
Source: Yahoo Sports