Carmen Mlodzinski got absolutely hammered early on Monday night, digging an 8-5 hole against the Tigers that the team just could not climb out of at PNC Park. That early deficit off the starter proved insurmountable, and honestly, we all saw this coming a mile away with how Mlodzinski has been pitching lately. The guy is just getting shelled, and it’s putting the team in an impossible spot.
The Early Damage Was Unforgiving
The Tigers came out swinging, showing zero mercy right from the first inning. Zach McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee delivered two-out RBI singles off Mlodzinski in the top of the first for a 2-0 lead. Then, Kevin McGonigle crushed a two-run homer in the second off Mlodzinski’s grooved cutter, making it 4-0. The damage didn’t stop, pushing it to 5-0 by the fifth after a Nick Gonzales error and Max Clark’s single. Mlodzinski’s stat line for the night: 3.0 innings, eight hits, four runs. His season ERA as a starter is now 5.85, but the real killer is that utterly unacceptable 14.14 ERA over his last three starts! How do you even compete with that kind of output from your starter? It’s a stark contrast to his 2.15 ERA in 16 appearances out of the bullpen; makes you wonder what’s going on when he starts.
A Glimmer of Hope Quickly Extinguished
We had a glimmer of hope after chipping away for one run in the bottom of the fifth, making it 5-1. But then Yohan Ramírez completely lost control in the top of the sixth, issuing three walks and allowing two hits for three more Tigers runs. Lee drew a bases-loaded walk, and Brett Callahan drove in two, pushing the lead to a demoralizing 8-1. Talk about crushing momentum! But the squad fought back in the bottom of the sixth! Nick Yorke absolutely cleared the bases with a two-out double, knocking Framber Valdez out of the game. Yorke then scored on a Henry Davis base hit, cutting the deficit to a much more respectable 8-5. Yorke is on fire, driving in three runs for the second straight game! They even brought the tying run to the plate twice in the seventh against Drew Sommers. But Brandon Lowe grounded out with two on, and Rafael Flores Jr. struck out with runners in scoring position. Gut punch. Tigers’ Hao-Yu Lee, by the way, was a beast with a career-high three hits, two walks, two RBI, and two runs.
What’s Next On The Mound?
Looking ahead, we need a strong outing to shake off this rough loss. Luckily, RHP Braxton Ashcraft (12-5, 3.88 ERA) is set to take the mound for the first time since throwing a complete game in his last outing. That’s the kind of performance we desperately need right now. He’ll be facing off against RHP Keider Montero (9-7, 3.22 ERA) for Detroit. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. Let’s hope Ashcraft can turn the tide and give us something to cheer about.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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