Sports: Tigers in Tailspin

Source: Michigan Radio Network, Associated Press)

The Detroit Tigers losing streak is up to five games as they dropped the opener of a three game set to the Oakland Athletics 5-3 Tuesday night at Comerica Park. The Tigers took the lead in the 5^th, when Miguel Cabrera scored on a wild pitch, and then Nick Castellanos knocked in a pair of runs. The Tigers self-destructed in the 7^th.  Sloppy play allowed the A’s to load the bases and chase starter Alfredo Simon, as Angel Nesbitt came in to pitch in relief.   Jed Lowrie singled and went to second on a wild pitch.  He made it to third when Nick Castellanos couldn’t hang on to a flip from shortstop Jose Iglecias.   The A’s loaded the bases when Ian Kinsler threw home on the next play, even though Lowrie wasn’t trying to score.   Nesbitt gave up a grand slam to Ben Zobrist.

Alfredo Simon took the loss and was charged with 4 of the 5 runs, but pitched well enough to win the game.  Simon gave up four hits while walking five and striking out six in 6 1/3  innings of work.   Anibal Sanchez will pitch game two…Tigers and A’s…tonight at 6:40 p.m. on WBCK.

Tigers Roster

Tigers’ infielder Hernan Perez was put on waivers and quickly claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers.   Detroit called up Josh Wilson from Triple-A Toledo to take his roster spot. Detroit also optioned pitcher Buck Farmer to Toledo as starter Alfredo Simon returned from the bereavement list.

Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander will make one more rehab start with Triple A-Toledo before returning to the Tigers. He will start for the Mud Hens Saturday, and Detroit manager Brad Ausmus said it is possible Verlander could be back in the rotation next week.

Reliever Bruce Rondon, who has been on the disabled list since Opening Day with an arm issue, made his sixth rehab appearance yesterday and depending how he feels, he could be back in the Tigers’ bullpen by the end of the week.

Bombers

A crowd of 3,338 were on hand for Tuesday’s game at C. O. Brown Stadium as youngsters came out on Education Day.  The Bombers got behind 7-0 and battled back against the Rochester Honkers, but lost the game  11-7 at C.O. Brown Stadium.  The Kenosha Kingfish are in town for two games.   The Bombers start and 8-game road trip on Friday.

College Softball

The University of Michigan held on to beat Florida 1-0 to force a deciding Game-Three in the Women's College softball World Series Tuesday night in Oklahoma City. Wolverines pitcher Haylie Wagner struck out five in the complete game shutout, to improve to 25-and-2 on the season.  Junior outfielder Kelsey Susalla knocked in the only run with a first-inning single. The winner of tonight's game will claim the national title.

Griffins End Season

The Grand Rapids Griffins season is over after losing to the Utica Comets 2-0 Tuesday night in Game Six of the Western Conference Finals. The Comets won the best-of-seven series four games to two and will take on the Manchester Monarchs in the Calder Cup finals.  Griffins head coach Jeff Blashill is reportedly the front runner to replace Mike Babcock behind the Red Wings bench.   The Red Wings next game is September 22^nd….the pre-season opener in Chicago.

NHL

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup finals, tonight.

NBA

The NBA Finals start tomorrow in Oakland as Golden State hosts Cleveland.

Belmont Stakes

The Belmont Stakes field is down to eight after two horses dropped out.  That leaves seven rivals to face Derby and Preakness winner American Pharoah in his bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.

Girls Soccer

The No. 2-ranked Gull Lake girls' soccer team won their Division 2 regional semifinal match against Mason 2-1 in a shootout on Tuesday at Vicksburg High School.  Hannah Phommavongsa scored in regulation to give Gull Lake a 1-0 lead.  Mason tied it with less than a minute left. After things were all even in a shootout, Gull Lake's Kenzie Harney made a penalty kick and Gull Lake won the match.  Regan Troff had eight saves in goal for Gull Lake.  They’ll advance to the Division 2 regional final at Vicksburg on Friday against Holland Christian.

Bomber of the Week

By nominating your favorite Battle Creek Bomber, you could in 4 tickets to hang out on the “Miller Lite Party Deck” …a $100 dollar value that gets you great food and drink in the left field party deck at C.O. Brown Stadium! Each week we’ll pick a winner from the entries!