The Detroit Tigers’ spring training schedule kicked into high gear on Thursday afternoon with the team halving up for its first two-game split-squad date of the preseason. AJ Hinch’s crew managed to come away with both a tie and a loss, bringing their spring record to a 2-3-1 early on.
One squad headed to Charlotte Sports Park to face the Tampa Bay Rays, while the other remained at Joker Marchant Stadium to take on the Boston Red Sox. The results were not favorable for the loyal fans of the Olde English D, with the Rays rallying to tie the Tigers, 7-7, while the BoSox beat Detroit in Lakeland, 6-5.
Detroit Tigers lose vs Boston Red Sox
Jack Flaherty got the start in this one, going two innings while allowing an earned run on a hit and two walks while striking out two. Kenta Maeda took the loss after coughing up three runs on five hits (one home run) and no walks — but he struck out five as well. Jason Foley and Lael Lockhart threw one and two scoreless frames, respectively, to close the deal.
The Tigers scattered their eight hits rather evenly among their batters, with nobody getting more than one hit. Justice Bigby drove in a pair of runs while Jake Rodgers also brought one home on a solo dinger. David Hensley crossed the plate twice for the Motor City Kitties.
Detroit Tigers tie at Tampa Bay Rays
Matt Manning was the first to toe the rubber in the second split series game in Charlotte, throwing 2 2⁄3 frames while allowing an earned run on four hits and two walks along with a pair of Ks; Austin Bergner followed and earned the hold for his statless 1⁄3 inning of work.
Jordan Balazovic came in and coughed up a run in two innings but still got a hold, Wilkel Hernandez surrendered two (one earned) in two innings, and RJ Petit threw a scoreless frame also for a hold before Matt Seelinger earned the blown save for vomiting three runs in his ninth inning appearance.
Tomás Nido led the charge on offense, going 2-for-3 including a double and three RBI as seven Tigers managed to get a base hit. Spencer Torkelson mashed a two-run shot for his lone hit in three tries, Jahmai Jones scored a pair of runs on two walks in two at-bats and Bligh Madris also drew two free passes.
Unfortunately, the bullpen was unable to hold the lead it was given in this one.
Next up for the Tigers
The gang heads out to Dunedin on Friday for a solo split-squad matchup with the Toronto Blue Jays. First pitch is slated for 1:07 p.m. ET while broadcast details are unavailable at the time of publication.