DETROIT, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The troubles for the Detroit Tigers continue, as their bullpen let them down Thursday evening in 3-1 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Tigers closer Gregory Soto loaded the bases on two walks and a hit batter before Ezequiel Duran hit a ball just inside first base and into the right-field corner. All three runners scored, giving Soto his second blown save of the season.
Dennis Santana (3-2) picked up the win with a scoreless eighth inning, and Joe Barlow pitched the ninth for his 12th save.
Soto’s collapse, which led to Detroit’s fifth straight loss, wasted seven scoreless innings by Detroit starter Beau Brieske.
The Tigers have been outscored 36-7 in the losing streak, and are averaging 2.68 runs, the worst mark by any team since World War II.
The teams continue their four-game series on Friday, with Detroit ace Tarik Skubal (5-3, 2.71) facing Jon Gray (1-3, 4.85). The opening pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
