A long hangover.

Pirates 4, Tigers 2

Robbie Ray (4 GS, 20.1 IP, 5.31 ERA, 3.58 FIP, 0.4 fWAR) went from being the Tigers number six starter to their number four starter in a hurry and he pitched about like you’d expect from a backend guy on a normal team. He gave the Tigers five innings of four run baseball while allowing six hits and two walks. He also punched out five. The bullpen didn’t allow any runs, but it was already two late as the Tigers got one run in the first and then another on an Alex Avila home run in the 4th before they quieted down for the evening. They gave it a run in the 9th, but fell short. Given the state of the pitching staff, it’s hard to be shocked by losing a pair in Pittsburgh, but the Tigers will have to straighten things out in short order to make sure they don’t dig much of a hole. Buck Farmer (MLB Debut) will try his hand at the MLB level on Wednesday, because yes, it’s come to this.

The Moment: Avila launches a solo shot.