After an offensive filled doubleheader on Wednesday, which saw the Tigers and Pirates combine for 34 runs, Thursday’s 1-0 pitchers duel was a welcome sight. No one was happier to see Michael Fulmer pitch deep into the game than the bullpen, which was taxed mightily in the doubleheader thanks to poor performances by Jordan Zimmerman and Matthew Boyd. Fulmer pitched six scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and one walk, striking out 9. The strong performance resulted in a no-decision for Fulmer, as the Pirates would fail to score until Corey Dickerson ended the game with one out in the bottom of the ninth with his walk off home run off of Alex Wilson, who falls to 0-3 on the year.
Pirates starter Ivan Nova scattered six hits in his 8 innings of work. Closer Felipe Vazquez allowed 2 hits and a walk as the Tigers threatened in the top of the ninth but failed to score, despite loading the bases. Vazquez picked up his first win of the young season to go with his five saves. Pittsburgh won 2 of three from the Tigers in this series, and combined with their season opening sweep of Detroit now have won five of six in the season series.
The Tigers bats were paced by Leonys Martin, who went 2-for-4 at the plate. The offense picked up in the top of the 9th, when Miguel Cabrera (Jeimer Candelario ran for Cabrera) and Nicholas Castellanos recorded back to back singles, and Niko Goodrum drew a walk to load the bases. Vazquez would get James McCann to hit a ground ball to third baseman Colin Moran, who would force out Candelario at home for the first out. Victor Martinez would fly out, and Jose Iglesias would ground out to end the inning.
Detroit travels to Baltimore for a three-game weekend series against the Orioles. Mike Fiers (2-1, 3.71ERA) will take the mound against Baltimore’s Chris Tillman (0-4, 9.87ERA) in game 1. Live coverage of the game is on Jackson ESPN 101.9fm