Game Recap: Pirates vs Tigers, 8/8/20

The Pirates lost to the Tigers 11-5 today. They have now lost nine of their last ten games and have a record of 3-12 on the season.

Derek Holland struggled in this game as he gave up four home runs to the first five batters faced. After the first inning, the Tigers led 5-0. In all, Holland gave up nine earned runs and 13 hits over five-plus innings. He allowed five home runs total. With a depleted bullpen, Holland deserves some credit for lasting as long as he did. At the same time, the Tigers’ offense throttled him. On the season, Holland now has an 8.27 ERA.

The Pirates were able to make the game competitive through the middle innings thanks in large part to the bat of Kevin Newman. Newman had four hits on the day including an RBI double and single.

With a lead of 6-5 in the sixth inning, the Tigers were able to pull away with a four runs scored. Nick Mears made his Pirates debut in the inning and allowed three walks. He was charged with one earned run.

A scary moment occurred in that sixth inning when right fielder Gregory Polanco collided with first baseman Phillip Evans as both attempted to catch a popup in foul territory. Evans caught an elbow to the face as Polanco made the catch. For a moment, he was knocked out cold and was eventually taken out on a stretcher. He is currently being evaluated.

Tomorrow, the Tigers will go for the sweep against the Pirates. Steven Brault will go for Pirates in place of Joe Musgrove, who has an injured ankle. Spencer Turnbull starts for the Tigers. The first pitch is at 1:35 pm.