MIAMI – What is it about the Tigers and a ninth inning lead that remains a toxic mix? It doesn’t matter the identity of the closer or whatever solid credentials he brought to Detroit with him. Just give him the ball and watch him spontaneously combust.
One outing. One inning. And new closer Francisco Rodriguez already has an earned run average of 27.00.
Move over, Joe Nathan and Jose Valverde.
It was only the first game of a new season, but there was an old, ugly feel to the Tigers blowing what should’ve been a comfortable three-run lead in the ninth inning Tuesday night.