Tigers Score Four in 11th to Outlast Bucs – Saturday Sports Wrap

MLB

The Detroit Tigers scored four runs in the top of the 11th inning, and outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 17-13 last night. It was a seesaw battle. Detroit fell behind early, as Pittsburgh scored seven times off Matthew Boyd over the first five innings. The Tigers responded with seven runs across the middle innings, only to see the Pirates score twice in the eighth, and tie the game with three runs off closer Joe Jiménez in the bottom of the ninth. Each team scored one in the 10th. RBI singles by Jeimer Candelario and Austin Romine, and a two-run double by Niko Goodrum sealed the win in the 11th.

The Tigers play at Pittsburgh again today. Ivan Nova will start against Derek Holland. Coverage begins at 3:40 on 99.3 The Lift.

Manager Ron Gardenhire announced yesterday that Tyler Alexander will join the starting rotation. Daniel Norris will move to the bullpen, as he continues to get in shape after missing training camp because of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Norris will likely pitch in tandem with Michael Fulmer, who is also working his way into shape following Tommy John surgery.

The Milwaukee Brewers fell to the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 last evening. Cincy took control early, with six runs in the second inning off Eric Lauer. Logan Morrison and Christian Yelich homered.

The Brewers host the Reds again this evening. Brett Anderson will pitch against Anthony DeSclafani.

Just as they thought they were ready to return from their COVID-19 break, two more Saint Louis Cardinals and one staff member tested positive yesterday. Their weekend series against the Cubs has been canceled.

NFL

The Detroit Lions are still hoping to have at least some fans in the stands at each of their home games this year. In a letter sent to season ticket holders yesterday, team officials conceded they don’t yet know how many fans they’ll be able to accommodate within COVID-19 guidelines. They did say that they have no plans to offer tickets to those who are not season ticket holders.

After the false positive COVID-19 test that erroneously sidelined Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford recently, the NFL says it has revised its testing procedure.

NHL

In National Hockey League qualifying round play yesterday…
• The Canucks slipped past the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Vancouver claims that series 3-1.
• The Islanders routed the Panthers 5-1. New York advances with a 3-1 series win.
• The Coyotes edged the Predators 4-3 in overtime. Arizona wins that series 3-1.
• The Canadiens blanked the Penguins 2-0. Montreal moves on with a 3-1 series win.
• The Blackhawks shaded the Oilers 3-2. Chicago takes that series 3-1.
• The Maple Leafs scored three goals in the final four minutes of regulation, then beat the Blue Jackets 4-3 in overtime. That series is tied 2-2, and will be decided tomorrow evening.

Email sports news and scores to mornings@up.net.