The Tigers' defense gave away four runs in the first three innings thanks to three errors (they finished with four) and the bullpen gave up five runs to an extremely bad Minnesota Twins offense in failing again to string together a second consecutive win.
Detroit trailed 5-1 after committing three errors in the first two innings, but dropped a five-spot on Nick Blackburn in the home half behind a walk, five straight singles and a sac fly to take a 6-5 lead.
Rick Porcello could only go four innings due to the errors and his own struggles inflating his pitch count, so the Tigers had to rely on their bullpen. Duane Below, who has been rock solid this year, gave up a two-run double in the sixth; Luke Putkonen allowed another run in the seventh and Collin Balester gave up a two-run blast to Trevor Plouffe in the ninth to all but seal the game for the Twins. Not so reliable.
Adding injury to insult, Austin Jackson was forced to leave the game early with a mild abdominal strain and he will be day-to-day.
All wasn't bad for the Tigers, though, as Andy Dirks collected three hits as part of his ongoing tear in the No. 2 spot in the lineup. Miguel Cabrera, despite an error that resulted in him hilariously tossing the gum bucket in the dugout, made a fine barehanded play at third and added two runs batted in on two hits. Jackson also continued his hot hitting before exiting with an injury by going 2-for-3 and scoring twice.
The series concludes tomorrow with Doug Fister taking the mound at approximately 1:05 p.m. ET.
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