It wasn’t Francisco Liriano’s best start, and it was not his longest, but the bullpen held on as long as they could before the Rangers’ Nomar Mazara hit a walk off home run to end the game in the 10th.
Liriano lasted just 4 innings, throwing 81 pitches before giving way to Blaine Hardy. Hardy was strong through two innings, walking 2, but not allowing a hit or any runs. Johnny Barbato would take over to start the 7th inning, and would allow a walk before inducing a double play on a sacrifice bunt gone awry. He would then be replaced by Daniel Stumpf, who promptly gave up a game tying home run to Mazara.
Fast-forward to the 10th, when the Tigers would threaten after Niko Goodrum ripped a leadoff double, then would advance to third on a wild pitch before Jose Iglesias would ground out to end the inning.
In the bottom of the 10th, Mazara would park the second pitch he saw, an 88 mile and hour fastball from Warwick Saupold in the seats to break the tie and end the game.
Detroit heads back home for a weekend series against the Mariners. Tonight’s game features Marco Gonzales (3-2, 5.19ERA) for Seattle and Matthew Boyd (1-3, 3.00 ERA) taking to the mound for the Tigers.
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