BOSTON, Mass. — Something needed to give for the last-place Detroit Tigers. Coming into Wednesday’s matchup with the Red Sox, they remained alone as the only MLB team under double-digit wins. Riding a 6-game losing streak, the loss to Boston on Tuesday was their fourth straight loss to AL East foes.
It took some extra-innings magic, but the Tigers (9-22) were able to get back into the win column against Boston (18-13). With runners on first and third in the top of the 10th, the Tigers’ best hitter of 2021 came through; Jameir Candelario launched his 3rd homerun of the year to claim a three-run lead.
Candelario has been the bright spot for a struggling Detroit offense. He leads the team in hits (33), batting average (.346), and doubles (5).
The Red Sox gave the Tigers trouble, pushing two runs across in the bottom of the tenth. However, Michael Fulmer came through as he struck out Enrique Hernandez to complete the 6-5 win.
Fulmer has a historic first save
Tigers’ pitcher Michael Fulmer has embraced his new role for the Tigers. A few years ago, Fulmer was the ace in the Tigers rotation. Now, he has become a hybrid pitcher, not quite a starter and not quite a reliever. While the production has not been all that impressive, AJ Hinch has been proud of the way Fulmer has embraced his role.
“I am more proud of him for how he has handled the unknown,” said Hinch, “He just wants to take the ball and pitch.”
After struggling in his start on Tuesday, Hinch turned to Fulmer to finish off the game in the 10th. After giving up a run due to an error, he retired the final two batters to record his first MLB save. According to Elias Sports Bureau, he is the first Tigers’ pitcher to start one day and record a save the next.
“I am thankful for the opportunity, the trust factor in that situation, and I am just glad I could come through for this team and get back in the win column,” said Fulmer.
Martinez continues to torment his former team
Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez is very familiar with the Detroit Tigers. His career took its current trajectory after his 2014 campaign in Detroit. From 2014-2017, Martinez hit .300 with 99 HR, 285 RBIs, and a .912 OPS in Detroit. Since then, Martinez has made three All-Star games, led the league in slugging percentage (.690, 2017), and become one of the game’s premier hitters.
On Wednesday, Martinez continued to torment his former team; with the Red Sox trailing by two, Martinez hit a two-run homer to tie the game in the 7th. In his 16 games against Detroit in his career, he has performed exceptionally well; he now has 3 HR, a .322 average, and 12 RBIs against his former team.
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