Closer than it should have been.
Tigers 12, Twins 9
Let me put it this way, this one started out well. Anibal Sanchez (11 GS, 72.2 IP, 2.44 ERA, 2.32 FIP, 2.0 fWAR) was dominant until his final inning in which the Twins picked up a couple of add on runs as he tired, but the lead was already so large that it’s hard to sweat it. The offense absolutely unloaded, however, starting in the third inning with seven runs on many hits. Suarez and Martinez both homered and came one leg shy of a cycle each. Kinsler reached base four times, so did Avila and Suarez. It was an all out assault that was a long time coming for the Tigers offense that had been awfully quiet as of late. Of course, the day ended in “y,” so the bullpen melted down and ended up allowing six extra runs to force Joba to warm up in a game m that was, at one point, 11-1. The team will look to take the series on Sunday with Rick Porcello (12 GS, 75.2 IP, 4.04 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 1.0 fWAR) getting the nod.
The Moment: Tigers load up with a seven run 3rd inning.
New English D 
The offense coming in and putting a hurt on the Twins, and adding on was awesome! Exactly what we needed.
The bullpen was not good. In fact, it was VERY not good. Horrible. Awful. Atrocious. When you have an 10 run lead cut down to three runs, despite add on runs…not good. when Reed came in, I knew that runner on third would score. Six earned runs in the last three innings off of three different pitchers, 4 relievers having to be used in three innings. It’s just not good. Terrible bullpen.
I think it’s time Tigers’ management acts on a tweet you (Mr. Weinberg) posted a while ago–time to bring up every able starter from the minors and throw them into the ‘pen. Can they send Nathan down to Toledo for a while?