Sloppy defense and the absence of timely hitting did in the Tigers yesterday afternoon as they lost 5-to-1 at Minnesota, where Detroit dropped 2 straight after taking the opener of the 3-game series. The defeat left Detroit a game-and-a-half behind the first place Twins in the American League Central.
The Tigers committed two more errors Wednesday giving them 55 on the season, second most in the league and almost twice as many as Minnesota. Rookie lefthander Andy Oliver fell to 0-and-2 as he gave up five runs, but just two earned on eight hits over six innings. Kevin Slowey got his eighth win for the Twins, combining with four relievers to scatter seven Detroit hits. Miguel Cabrera's RBI double drove in the lone run for Detroit.
Detroit takes the day off today before playing Seattle tomorrow at Comerica Park to begin a 9-game home stand leading up to the All Star break. The Tigers announced after last night’s game that lefty reliever Fu-Te-Ni had been sent down to Triple-A Toledo. Ni has struggled this year with an 0-and-1 record and a 6.65 ERA.
The White Sox remain 2-and-a-half games behind Minnesota after losing 7-to-6 last night at Kansas City while the Cubs were shutout 2-to-0 by the Pirates yesterday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Pittsburgh is in last place in the National League Central, but they’re 9-and-3 this season against the Cubs.
