Tigers Trounce Astros 13-1

The Tigers 13-1 win over the Houston Astros was a sight for sore eyes, amidst rumblings of potential trades, almost 24 hours before the close of the 2017 MLB trade deadline. A pair of Justins led the way to Tiger dominance Sunday afternoon, with big contributions from Iglesias, Cabrera and McCann. Justin Verlander had a couple so-so innings to start, giving up two hits in the top of the 3^rd inning. Nevertheless, he managed to keep the Astros off the board, and after giving up his third walk in the 4^th inning, he really dialed in for a strong start.

The Tigers led the Astros, 1-0, through four. A Cabrera double scored Upton in the 5^th inning. Miguel would score off of a single from McCann. In the 6^th inning, Tiger batters were right back at it. A walk to Iglesias, and a single from Machado would chase Astros starter, Lance McCullers off the mound. Musgrove would come on, but a pair of doubles from Mahtook and Upton would score three, before the Astros finally got out of the inning, trailing the Tigers, 6-0.

The Tigers really cracked this game open in the 7^th inning. McCann and Romine would open up the inning with back to back singles. Iglesias was walked and a Machado sac fly scored McCann. Then, with the bases loaded, Justin Upton delivered a grand slam home run to right, stretching the Tigers lead to 11-0. James McCann added insult to injury in the 8^th, with a two run, home run shot to left. Houston Astro, Alex Bregman would spoil the Tigers shut out bid in the 9^th inning with a single home run.

Justin Verlander pitched through six innings, and gave up no runs, on five hits, with three walks and six strikeouts. Justin Upton would tally up a six RBI outing, including the grand slam.

With the win, the Tigers hand the Astros their first road series loss, since early June. The Tigers are headed to New York, Monday night, to open up a three game series with the Yankees. Michael Fulmer(10-8  3.35 ERA) will face Luis Severino(7-4  3.03 ERA) on the mound. Our coverage begins at 6:40, on 95.3 WBCK.