If you thought 14 was impressive, apparently, Detroit was just getting started.
They drove in three runs to start the game and didn’t look back. It was 3-1, 6-1, 6-2, 14-2, and that’s all I can remember barring the final, 16-4.
It was only one home run, a solo blast from Torii to begin that eight run inning. Otherwise, it was more consistency from everyone working together with consecutive singles and doubles. Truly, remarkable, Tigers.
Drew Smyly lasted 6 2/3, giving up four earned runs en route to the win. I liked what I saw in relief. Chad Smith promptly struck out the final batter for Smyly. Blaine Hardy worked us through the 8th against his former club, and a perfect ninth closed it from Phil.
The Royal bullpen was forced to throw five innings in the first of a four game series. Their pitchers needed nearly 200 pitches to get through the game.