Tigers, Brewers Hurt by Big Innings – Thursday Sports Wrap

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MLB
The Kansas City Royals scored nine times in the seventh inning, and blasted the Detroit Tigers 16-2 last night. The Royals pounded out 22 hits. Eric Hosmer had five of them, including a grand slam. Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez gave up four runs on nine hits before leaving in the fourth inning. The nine-run outburst came against Chad Bell and Warwick Saupold. Bruce Rondón was thrown out of the game after hitting a batter while K-C scored their final three runs in the ninth inning. He was relieved by Tigers’ utility player Andrew Romine.

The Tigers have lost six of their last eight games, and take today off. They’ll open a home set against the Astros tomorrow night. Jordan Zimmermann will start against Dallas Keuchel. Pregame coverage begins at 6:45 on 99.3 The Lift.

The Milwaukee Brewers gave up seven runs in the eighth inning, and fell to the Washington Nationals 8-5 last night. The late collapse spoiled a fine outing by Jimmy Nelson, who gave up one run over seven innings, and was charged with the first run that scored in the eighth. Jacob Barnes relieved him, and took the loss. Milwaukee recalled rookie outfielder Lewis Brinson from Colorado Springs before the game, Brinson started, and hit his first major league home run. Domingo Santana also homered. The defeat knocked Milwaukee out of first place in the National League Central.

The Brewers continue that series at Washington tonight. Michael Blazek will fill in for Matt Garza, who has been placed on the 10-day disabled list with a calf muscle strain. Max Scherzer will pitch for the Nats.

Twilight League
In Copper Country Twilight League baseball tonight…
– Wolverine-Orbit faces Dean Kangas-State Farm in a doubleheader at the Hancock Driving Park.
– REL-Mohawk Technologies plays Superior National Bank-Stanton twice at the Stanton field.

American Legion
The Copper Country Flames American Legion baseball team opens play in the Class A state tournament this morning at 9:00 against defending champion Hudson. If they win, they’ll face Gaylord this afternoon at 3:00. If they lose, their next game will be tomorrow. The tourney is being held downstate in Gladwin.

MTU
Former Michigan Tech hockey star Blake Pietila has signed a two-year contract extension with the New Jersey Devils. It’s a two-way contract that could be worth as much as 1.3-million dollars, depending on how many NHL games he plays.

Former MTU running back Phil Milbrath is returning to the Huskies football team as an assistant coach. Milbrath has been on the staff at Finlandia University. He’ll coach running backs for Tech. Milbrath’s addition comes after some internal shuffling following the departure of offensive coordinator Eric Ieuter. Assistant Head Coach Dan Mettlach will take over as offensive coordinator. Josh Wood and Bryan Thomas will share defensive coordinator responsibilities. Ieuter is joining the staff at the University of Florida.

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