DETROIT (AP) — On the same day the Tigers’ general manager criticized his team’s defense, Detroit made enough plays in the field to win a game in which it had just three hits and scored once.
Niko Goodrum doubled, advanced on Jake Rogers’ bunt and scored on Robbie Grossman’s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, and the Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 on Wednesday night.
Detroit did solid work early when Cleveland was batting to keep the game scoreless.
Maybe the Tigers heard about what general manager Al Avila said.
Avila addressed the team’s shortcomings and didn’t hold back, speaking virtually to the Detroit Economic Club before the game.
“Our defense has let us down,” Avila said.
That was not the case Wednesday night.
The Tigers turned a double play in the second inning and ended it at home with Rogers tagging out Josh Naylor, who tried to score from first on Owen Miller’s double, after center fielder Akil Baddoo connected with shortstop Niko Goodrum for a relay throw.
“Two perfect throws from Akill and Niko,” Rogers said. “That’s what you dream about as a catcher.”
Detroit’s Jose Urena gave up three hits and three walks over 5 2/3 innings before exiting with a forearm injury in the middle of an at-bat after a trainer made a brief visit to the mound.
Jose Cisnero, Michael Fulmer (4-3) and Gregory Soto completed the four-hitter, with Soto earning his fifth save.
“There’s nights we’re a little challenged (offensively) and thankfully we’ve pitched well enough,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.
Cal Quantrill (0-1) allowed two over three innings, along with the game’s only run, and moved toward the team’s goal of having him work longer stints.
“We got Quantrill more stretched out,” Francona said.
Cleveland’s…
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