Tigers break up with O's, stay on observe for prime draft choose

Jordy Mercer hit a two-run homer within the first inning, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 Monday to separate a four-game sequence between the groups with the worst data within the main leagues.

After the primary sequence in American League historical past between groups in 50 or extra video games below .500, Detroit (45-104) has a 3½ recreation “lead” over Baltimore (49-101) for the highest choose in June’s newbie draft, which works to the membership with the bottom profitable share this season.

Detroit must win one in every of its last six video games at Comerica Park to keep away from breaking the foremost league file of 59 dwelling losses, set by the 1939 St. Louis Browns.

Tyler Alexander (1-3), a 24-year-old left-hander compelled into the rotation by a doubleheader final week, bought his first massive league win. Earlier than a crowd introduced at 14,142, he allowed one run and 4 hits in six innings throughout his first main league begin since Aug. 7.

Joe Jiménez retired the primary two batters within the ninth earlier than the Orioles loaded the bases on three singles. Trey Mancini, who hit his third homer of the sequence within the sixth inning, struck out on three pitches.

John Means (10-11) gave up 5 runs and 6 hits in 5 2/Three innings.

Detroit led 2-Zero after its first two batters. Victor Reyes tripled over heart fielder Austin Hays’ and Mercer hit the subsequent pitch into the Baltimore bullpen in left-center for his ninth homer. Víctor Reyes made it 4-Zero with a two-out, two-run double within the fifth and Dawel Lugo hit a sacrifice fly within the sixth.

Jonathan Villar led off the seventh with a triple off José Cisnero and scored on Hays’ single.

RARE FEAT

Orioles LF Stevie Wilkerson and RF Anthony Santander recorded an help on the identical play within the fifth inning. Reyes overran second on his two-run double, hoping to attract a throw that may guarantee a second run scored. Wilkerson’s throw was on the right track, however Reyes stayed within the rundown lengthy sufficient that Santander ended up coming in from proper to participate in a 7-6-3-5-9-3-Four putout.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Orioles: DH Mark Trumbo was a late scratch from the Baltimore lineup due to a trapezius pressure.

Tigers: DH Miguel Cabrera returned to the lineup after a flareup in his proper knee compelled him to depart Saturday’s recreation early and sit out on Sunday.

UP NEXT

Orioles: Baltimore begins a three-game sequence Tuesday towards visiting Toronto, which begins RHP Trent Thornton (5-9, 5.04).

Tigers: Detroit heads throughout Lake Erie for 3 video games towards the Indians, who’re 15-1 towards the Tigers this season. Detroit deliberate to begin an opener on Tuesday towards RHP Adam Plutko (6-4).

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