How sweet it is to have an ace starting pitcher. In his third start since coming off the injured list, John Means had his changeup working and was very effective on the mound against the Tigers.
It was a really easy first inning for Means, with the first three Detroit batters retired on changeups. Derek Hill struck out on four pitches, Jonathan Schoop grounded out, and Robbie Grossman popped out to short.
The Birds reached Tigers rookie starter Matt Manning for a run in the top of the third, with Cedric Mullins serving as the catalyst. He singled with one out, stole second base, and came around to score on Ryan Mountcastle’s single to center.