The News’ Tony Paul gives his quick takes on the Tigers’ 4-3 loss to the Braves on Wednesday:
One thing I loved
It had been a while since Jace Jung was in the major leagues — since late last September. It’s been a lot of steps back for the former first-round draft pick. But, amid all the disappointments and all the mandated swing changes (he looks a lot quieter in the box these days), he’s kept a good attitude, trying to stay present, and focusing on what he control — namely, keeping a positive attitude and a level head.
His first plate appearance post-callup Wednesday, after taking the place of the injured Javier Báez, was an impressive one. With a runner on second and two out with the Tigers trailing, 2-0, it would’ve been easy to be jumpy and overly aggressive, trying to put his team on the board. But he was patient and drew the five-pitch walk.
That kept the inning going and the Tigers scored two runs to tie it, on Kevin McGonigle’s RBI single (extending his hitting streak to 13 games and his on-base streak to 26 starts) and a Braves throwing error on a wild pickoff attempt by pitcher JR Ritchie. Jung scored the tying run.
June may not be here for a long time (time will tell), but he seems as determined than ever to make sure it’s quality time. A bonus on that front: The next series is Tigers-Rangers at Comerica Park, against his brother, Josh.
One thing I didn’t
For his career, Tarik Skubal has been dominant against right-handed and left-handed hitters. No surprise. You don’t win back-to-back Cy Youngs with many, if any, holes in your game.
But here’s an odd stat for you: After Wednesday night’s start, Skubal’s seventh of the season, left-handed hitters actually are batting .333 against him. That’s 11-for-33. Each of the three left-handed hitters in the Braves’ lineup had hits off Skubal on Wednesday night, and Blake Baldwin had two, the first immediately preceding another home run by Ozzie Albies in the first inning.
For his career, while the averages have been similar against Skubal, on-base and slugging have been much lower for left-handed hitters. This season, they are much higher. Gotta figure water will find its level, probably soon.
As for his night, he was nails after that first inning, allowing just three more hits in working through the seventh —when he struck out the side, after giving Metro Detroit a collective stroke when the trainer came out to check on his left forearm. He also got a little help from his friends, especially third baseman Colt Keith, who had a couple dandy plays on defense, and Riley Greene, who hit fourth homer of the season to give the Tigers the lead they would maintain until Kenley Jansen blew another save (his third as a Tiger) in the ninth inning.
Three stars
(Season total in parentheses)
Kevin McGonigle (9) — His ninth multi-hit game in his 30th major-league game, as he continues to put together an impressive (albeit early) rookie-of-the-year campaign.
Riley Greene (7)
Colt Keith (6)
Player of the game
(Season total in parentheses)
Tarik Skubal (2)
Next Tigers game
Game 32: Tigers at Braves, 12:15 Thursday, Detroit SportsNet, 97.1
ICYMI: Yesterday’s Tigers recap
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Detroit Tigers, Game 31: One thing I loved, one thing I didn’t
Reporting by Tony Paul, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
