Tigers Hold Off Rain, Orioles – Friday Sports Wrap

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MLB
The Detroit Tigers took an early lead, then outlasted the rain to defeat the Baltimore Orioles 7-5 last night. Ian Kinsler and Justin Upton hit solo homers in the first inning. They threatened in the second, but James McCann grounded into an around-the-horn triple play. Miguel Cabrera drove home two with a double as Detroit added five runs in the third. Tigers starter Matthew Boyd struggled with his command. He left in the fifth, and was charged with three runs. Warwick Saupold was awarded the win in relief. Shane Greene pitched a perfect ninth to earn his third save.

The Tigers have won three straight games, and continue that series at Baltimore tonight. Justin Verlander will pitch against Kevin Gausman. Pregame coverage begins at 6:40 on 99.3 The Lift.

Detroit starter Michael Fulmer has been sent to the disabled list for the first time in his career. He’s suffering from some inflammation in his elbow. To fill the roster vacancy, the Tigers purchased the contract of right-handed reliever Edward Mujica from Toledo.

Matt Garza turned in a solid start, as the Milwaukee Brewers edged the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1 yesterday afternoon. Garza gave up one run before leaving in the sixth. Cory Knebel earned his 20th save. Jesús Aguilar homered for Milwaukee.

The Brewers visit the Tampa Bay Rays this evening. Brandon Woodruff will make his major league debut for Milwaukee. Jacob Faria will start for the Rays.

Milwaukee has placed catcher Jett Bandy on the disabled list with a broken rib. It’s not clear when the injury occurred. Bandy was hit in the chest by a pitch several days ago, but thought he suffered only a bruise. The pain got worse during yesterday’s game, and an x-ray revealed the fracture.

Twilight League
Last night’s Copper Country Twilight League baseball game between Wolverine-Orbit and Superior National Bank-Stanton was rained out. That contest will be made up tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 at the Stanton field.

The Twilight League playoffs begin next week. We’ll broadcast the championship series beginning August 15th on KBear 102.3.

MTU
The Michigan Tech volleyball team has been picked to place third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division this fall. The coaches’ poll released yesterday gave Ferris State all 11 first place votes. Saginaw Valley State finished second. Northern Michigan placed fourth, and Lake Superior State finished a distant sixth out of the six squads in the division.

Keweenaw Roller Girls
The Keweenaw Roller Girls will host their annual Solar System Smackdown Mixer at the Colosseum tomorrow night. See some of the best roller derby skaters from across the Midwest do battle in a night of family fun. Youngsters can enjoy some fun in the kid’s fort with K.C. Bonker’s crew. Refreshments will be available. Doors open at 5:00, and the action begins at 6:00. Admission is $5.00. Children ages 10 and under get in free. For more details, click here.

Copperman Triathlon
The Aspirus Copperman Triathlon and Duathlon will be held tomorrow in Copper Harbor. The triathlon includes a half-mile swim in Lake Fanny Hooe, a 23-mile bike along the shores of Lake Superior, and a five-mile run at the tip of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula. The duathlon starts with a 6k run instead of the swim. The race will then continue with the 23-mile bike and the five-mile run. Both events are based at the Fort Wilkins State Park boat ramp. Spectators are welcome. Packets may be picked this evening between 5:00 and 8:00 at the Copper Harbor Community Center. For full details, click here.

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