Detroit Tigers split the doubleheader

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Detroit Tigers rookie pitcher Alex Faedo keeps Oakland off-balance with a strong start, however, Detroit falls short in game 2.

The Detroit Tigers offense pulled a Jekyll and Hyde in Tuesday’s doubleheader as Oakland stopped the Tigers’ rally in the 9th, winning 4 to 1. Detroit was held to just seven hits, all of them were singles. The Tigers won the first game 6-0 and collected 12 hits.

Spencer Torkelson continues to struggle at the plate. Torkelson went 0-for-3. He is now 1-for-21 in May so far. Joining Torkelson is Robbie Grossman, (0-for-15), Javier Baez (2-for-15) and Eric Haase (2-for-14).

Miguel Cabrera’s single in the 9th would lead him to score after a based loaded walk to Grossman. With that hit, he ties Wade Boggs for 30th all-time.

After an uproar on social media about Willi Castro starting in center, he went 2-for-3 with a walk. He had three hits in the first game, starting in left field.

Out of the bullpen, Will Vest pitched a scoreless six. That continues a streak of 10.2 innings in which he has not allowed a run.

Alex Faedo’s major league second start was an improvement

After the game, Alex Faedo was sent back to Toledo.  He pitched five innings against Oakland, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out seven. Despite that Faedo may have pitched against one of the worse offenses in Oakland, he made an impression.

The 17 swings and misses by Faedo were the most by any Detroit Tigers starting pitcher. Along with Beau Brieske, both pitchers have stepped up in the absence of Casey Mize and Matt Manning. Mize is pitching on Thursday and Manning will follow him on Friday down in Louisville.

Detroit looks to draw even in the series as left-hander Joey Wentz (12th ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline) makes his major league debut. He will face lefty Zack Logue.