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Tigers fail to protect 3-1 lead, lose to Royals in opener
TL;DR
The Tigers lost to the Royals after failing to protect a 3-1 lead. Manager AJ Hinch acknowledged the team's struggles amid injuries and ongoing challenges.
Key points
- Tigers lost to Royals after leading 3-1
- Manager AJ Hinch commented on team struggles
- Team facing injuries and changes
- Hinch emphasizes the need for confidence
- Current season is a test for the Tigers
Mentioned in this story
AJ Hinch
TigersRoyals
Kansas City, Mo. – The Tigers under manager AJ Hinch have prided themselves on being able to shut out the noise and static and stay focused on the game at hand.
That’s been tough to do in this recent stretch.
“We’re hearing it from everywhere,” Hinch said. “All the issues, all the injuries, all the change that’s going on around our team. ... This is a good team. We’re a little battered right now, a little beat up, and we’re having to answer a lot of questions about the frustrating side of this sport.
“It’s our reality right now. Guys have to come out confident and ready to play. I try to give them a dose that reality every day. This is the challenge. It’s our time to be tested.”
Count Friday night as a continuation of the test.
The Kansas City Royals, down 3-1 in the eighth inning, tied the game in the bottom of the eighth against reliever Kyle Finnegan and then walked the Tigers' off in the ninth. With two outs, pinch-hitter Nick Loftin doubled off Brant Hurter and Kyle Isbel squirted a single through the left side of the infield.
Royals 4, Tigers 3.
Finnegan, who had allowed just one run this season in 17.2 innings, gave up the lead in three batters. A double by Michael Massey and an RBI single by Isbel made it 3-2. Isbel’s ball got by right-fielder Wenceel Perez and rolled all the way to the track.
Isbel stopped at third and scored the tying run on a single by Maikel Garcia.
Finnegan left after walking Bobby Witt, Jr.. Lefty Hurter took over and kept the game tied. He got Vinnie Pasquantino to ground into a 3-6-1 double-play with Hurter scampering over to cover first.
The Tigers were in position to win thanks to another stout pitching performance by Keider Montero.
Q&A
What was the final score of the Tigers vs Royals game?
The Tigers lost to the Royals after leading 3-1.
Who is the manager of the Tigers?
AJ Hinch is the manager of the Tigers.
What challenges are the Tigers facing this season?
The Tigers are dealing with injuries and changes within the team, which has affected their performance.
How did AJ Hinch describe the current state of the Tigers?
AJ Hinch described the team as battered and beat up, facing a challenging reality.