Field Level Media
Jun 14, 2018
Michael Fulmer outdueled Lance Lynn while JaCoby Jones hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning as the Detroit Tigers edged the visiting Minnesota Twins 3-1 on Thursday afternoon.
Fulmer (3-5) has won all five of his career starts against the Twins and picked up his first victory at Comerica Park since July 15, 2017. On Thursday, he held them to one run on five hits over seven innings, walking one and striking out four. Shane Greene recorded his 17th save and second in as many games as the Tigers took two of three in the series.
Jones, batting ninth, hit his fifth homer of the season. John Hicks added his first career triple and scored a run.
The Tigers took a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh.
Hicks led off with his drive into the gap into right-center field for his first triple in 365 official career at-bats. Niko Goodrum followed with his sacrifice fly to center to tie the game.
One out later, Lynn hit Jose Iglesias with a pitch. Manager Paul Molitor visited the mound but left Lynn in. That turned out to be a regrettable decision as Jones, who was hitting .184 this month without a homer entering the game, deposited a 3-1 pitch just over the left field wall.
Lynn (4-5) gave up three runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings and struck out nine.
The Twins grabbed a quick lead when Eddie Rosario ripped a one-out double in the first and Eduardo Escobar brought him home with a single to right.
The Tigers had runners at the corners with two out in the first, but Lynn responded by striking out Hicks.
Minnesota had a threat going in the fifth with two on and one out. The Twins failed to add to their lead as Brian Dozier lined out to left and Rosario popped out.
Iglesias reached second in the bottom of the inning with a one-out single and his 11th stolen base of the season. Lynn held firm, striking out Jones and inducing Leonys Martin to ground out.
Twins catcher Mitch Garver doubled with two out in the seventh, but Ehire Adrianza popped out.
--Field Level Media