Pirates pounded Tigers on Saturday

[Steve Bielawski]

On Saturday, while Tarik Skubal was pitching for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic, his Tigers teammates lost to the Pirates, 5-3.

In the top of the second inning, Jhostynxon Garcia of the Pirates singled, Dominic Fletcher was hit by a pitch, Esmerlyn Valdez singled to drive in Mr. Garcia and Mr. Fletcher, and Termarr Johnson singled to drive in Mr. Valdez.

In the bottom of the third, Colt Keith singled, Jake Rogers singled, Zach McKinstry walked to load the bases, Austin Slater hit a ground-rule double to drive in Mr. Keith and Mr. Rogers, and Mr. McKinstry scored on a ground out by Wenceel Perez.

In the top of the sixth, Henry Davis singled, Keiner Delgado pinch-ran for Mr. Davis, Enmanuel Valdez singled to send Mr. Delgado to third base, and Mr. Delgado scored as the Tigers turned a double play.

In the top of the eighth, Mitch Jebb tripled, and scored on a single by Yordany De Los Santos.

Casey Mize started for the Tigers.  He gave up three runs, two of which were earned, on four hits and a walk in 3 2/3 innings.  He struck out one.

Tyler Holton pitched a perfect inning-and-a-third.  He struck out two.

Scott Effross gave up one run on two hits and three walks in the sixth.

Burch Smith gave up one hit but no walks and no runs in the seventh.

Bryan Hanifee gave up one run on two hits in the eighth.  He struck out two.

Ricky Vanesco pitched a perfect inning in the ninth, with three strikeouts.

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[Cal Lord]

I think we may be in trouble this year. Our offense has looked anemic so far.

Cal

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[Jeffrey Withey]

I don’t think spring training stats mean anything, but the offense was a concern the second half of last season and their approach to improve it was essentially to hope existing players “return to normal” and that prospects develop. It would not be a surprise if the offense is terrible again to start the season. The first half of last season was pretty clearly a fluke (McKinstry and Baez as all-stars!) that will not happen again.

 

-Jeff

 

Jeffrey H. Withey, Ph.D.

Professor and Interim Chair

 

Dept. of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology

Wayne State University School of Medicine

540 E. Canfield

Detroit, MI 48201

Withey lab website

 

 

 

From: detroit...@googlegroups.com <detroit...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of Cal Lord
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 12:48 PM
To: Steve Bielawski <stevebi...@sbcglobal.net>
Cc: Tigers List <detroit...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: Pirates pounded Tigers on Saturday

 

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[Peter Welch]

I'm a little worried about Colt Keith's development as a hitter.  He's been ok in his first 2 seasons, but we haven't seen the power from him he showed in the minors.  It would help if Hinch just lets Keith play instead of sitting him against lefties.

I'm cautiously optimistic Kevin McGonigle will be an above-average hitter in the majors right from the beginning, but rookie hitters often struggle in their first experience against major league pitching.   I also hope Hinch lets McGonigle bat against lefties.

Peter

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From: 'Jeffrey Withey' via Detroit Tigers e-mail list <detroit...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 1:18 PM
To: Cal Lord <calst...@gmail.com>; Steve Bielawski <stevebi...@sbcglobal.net>
Cc: Tigers List <detroit...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: RE: Pirates pounded Tigers on Saturday

 

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[Peter Welch]

I watched some of this game.  The Tigers' defense was clownish.

Peter

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From: detroit...@googlegroups.com <detroit...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Steve Bielawski <stevebi...@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Monday, March 9, 2026 12:38 PM
To: Tigers List <detroit...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Pirates pounded Tigers on Saturday

 

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