Detroit — Eduardo Rodriguez pitched so consistently well the last six weeks, it almost seemed robotic. Precise command of his four-seam fastball, sinker and cutter to all quadrants of the plate. One run or less in six straight starts.
Rodriguez confirmed on Wednesday, though, he is human.
He was nicked for four runs in five laborious innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates earned a split in the two-game series, beating the Tigers, 8-0, at Comerica Park. Manager AJ Hinch was ejected in the fourth inning for arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Nic Lentz.