It always stings, no matter how much success you’ve had. Detroit look a little asleep at the wheel for the opener in Pittsburgh.

Anibal Sanchez wasn’t bad, but he did surrender three home runs. The first was the game’s first pitch. 1-0. It was 2-0 for a long time, and our offense couldn’t find any rhythm. The hard throwing Pirate needed to be disciplined, but we insisted on free swinging. After five innings, we had one hit.

Our offense finally worked a walk that led to the first Tigers score. The bases were loaded with no outs, then Nick Castellanos RBI-double played. We needed to get on the board. Unfortunately, the next inning was the latter two Sanchez home runs. The first was another solo, the second with a man on. He struck out nine batters and walked none, it was just one or two pitches that cost him.

Down 5-1 going into the ninth, a lesser team would have laid down. Not Detroit. Ian Kinsler doubled down the line. “Big Cat” nearly homered against the left field wall. Then, J.D. Martinez did just that, belting another late inning blast over the right field fence. 5-4.

Yoenis Cespedes led back off with no outs and reached on a base hit. Up came Kid Castle, who double played himself again. Fuck. Maybe have him bunt or do anything other than what occurred. Victor Martinez worked the count full but ultimately ended the game.

There’s much more to learn from losing than victory. We have to stay focused for nine innings. It’s a game, but a contest nonetheless where if you don’t fight every pitch off, work every count, and make every play, it’ll cost you. Take nothing for granted, Tigers.