Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been about a week since the Detroit Tigers were looking solid and contending for first place in the very early-season AL Central race. They took the first two games of the series from the Seattle Mariners before losing the series finale, leading to five losses in their next six games.
Detroit had been struggling up until their series with the Atlanta Braves this past weekend, which had the makings of a World Series matchup. While that could still be the case, the Tigers showed that they are the better team right now, regardless of record.
The Tigers are now sitting at 14-10 after sweep of the Braves and an opening game win in their most recent series against the Minnesota Twins.
Matching their longest win streak of the season at four, the Tigers will look to extend that tonight and move further and further ahead in first place. Prince Fielder has been in a bit of a slump since getting off to a red-hot start to the 2013 season. He broke out of this mini slump in a big way, hitting a three-run blast in the sixth inning to give Detroit the lead for good.
Max Scherzer settled down after giving up three runs in the first four innings, and did the job and got the win.
I expect this team to stay in first place, having reclaimed it with a Kansas City loss. They have one of the best offenses in the league while showcasing a top-five pitching rotation. This team is built for the long run.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
