Detroit — The Tigers scored in funky and fluky ways, beating the Royals with a balk and a walk-off home run by the backup catcher. That’s the short story. The long tale is, there’s nothing funky or fluky about the young guy who keeps giving them their best chance.
Michael Fulmer is a rookie who didn’t even make the team out of spring training, so it’s hard to suggest he’s saving the Tigers season. Except it sure looks like he’s saving the Tigers season, in new and amazing ways.
The 23-year-old right-hander got into rare early trouble Sunday but escaped with power and poise, and kept it close before the Tigers rallied for a 4-2 victory.