Going into the game, you could be forgiven for not expecting a classic pitcher’s duel between a pitcher with an xFIP of 4.39 and a pitcher with an xFIP of 4.60. But if you have been paying attention lately, it makes more sense. The Cardinals were unable to muster much offense against arguably worse pitchers the past two games and the Tigers offense could best be described as “Who is that?” nine times.
Nonetheless, a classic pitcher’s duel is what we got, at least at first. Michael Fulmer has not had his best season - in fact he’s having his worst season of his short MLB career - but he’s had good success in the past.