After a big first inning on Friday night, the Minnesota Twins' bats went silent in their game against the Detroit Tigers, as a four-run opening frame was followed by complete ineptitude in an 8-4 loss to the AL Central Division leaders.
The Twins managed just two hits after the first inning, and starter Kevin Slowey got blitzed for six runs in just four innings of work. The loss keeps the Twins in a tie for the American League Central basement with the Kansas City Royals, a whopping 23 games behind the Tigers. Minnesota is now 59-85 on the season. . .only the Baltimore Orioles, who currently sit at 58-85, have a worse record in the American League.
To try to stop the bleeding on Saturday afternoon, the Twins will send right-hander Anthony Swarzak (3-6, 3.95 ERA) to the hill. This will be Swarzak's fourth appearance against the Tigers this year, but it will be his first start, as the first three appearances have all come in relief. In those three relief appearances, he has pitched six innings, allowing two runs on six hits. Swarzak is also riding a personal three-game losing streak, though he looked good in his last start, pitching eight solid innings in a 2-1 Minnesota loss to the Chicago White Sox on Monday.
The Tigers will counter with right-hander Max Scherzer (14-8, 4.33 ERA). Scherzer has faced the Twins twice this season, with mixed results. On May 31, he allowed seven runs on nine hits in 6.2 innings, but wound up with a no-decision as the Tigers ultimately prevailed by a score of 8-7. On July 22, he was much better, allowing just one run on four hits in seven innings of work as the Tigers beat Minnesota, 8-2.
First pitch from Comerica Park is scheduled for 3:10 PM Central time, and the good folks at Twinkie Town will have all of the in-game action for you in their Game Thread. Be sure to head back here for the recap when all the action has concluded.