The Tigers fell behind early in Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the Twins, cementing a split of the four-game series between the two teams.
Mike Pelfrey, on a 60-pitch count, started for the Tigers (78-68). He allowed four runs in 1 2/3 innings, throwing just 36 pitches.
The Tigers then went to an army of left-handed relievers. Blaine Hardy, Kyle Ryan, Justin Wilson and Joe Mantiply combined to go 6 1/3 scoreless innings, before right-hander Mark Lowe gave up an RBI double in the top of the ninth inning to Byron Buxton, which was charged to Mantiply.
Hector Santiago started for the Twins (55-95).