Tigers embarrassed themselves in 12 to 4 loss

 

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers were undone by defensive miscues and a disastrous late inning Tuesday night, falling 12-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers at Comerica Park.

Milwaukee broke the game open with a seven-run eighth inning, turning a manageable deficit into a rout and handing Detroit one of its most lopsided losses of the season.

The Brewers struck first in the second inning against Tigers starter Keider Montero. After loading the bases, Brice Turang delivered a two-run single, helping stake Milwaukee to a 3-0 lead.

Detroit had early opportunities but failed to capitalize. Jahmai Jones appeared to have a two-run homer in the third inning, only to be robbed at the wall by left fielder Blake Perkins, a defensive play that preserved the Brewers’ momentum.

Montero settled in after the rocky second, retiring 12 consecutive batters at one point. He finished with three runs allowed on five hits over 5 2/3 innings, striking out three and walking one.

The Tigers finally broke through in the fourth inning when Riley Greene scored on a double-play ball, trimming the deficit to 3-1. But Detroit repeatedly stranded runners, squandering multiple scoring chances against Milwaukee’s pitching staff.

The game began to slip away in the seventh. A throwing error and a pair of hits led to two more Brewers runs, extending the lead to 5-1.

Any remaining suspense vanished in the eighth. Milwaukee sent 10 batters to the plate, collecting multiple extra-base hits — including triples from Gary Sánchez and Garrett Mitchell — while capitalizing on defensive lapses and shaky relief pitching. By the time the inning ended, the Brewers had scored seven runs to take a commanding 12-1 advantage.

Detroit mounted a late rally in the ninth, highlighted by run-scoring hits from Kevin McGonigle and Matt Vierling, but the outcome was long decided.

One unusual bright spot came when catcher Jake Rogers pitched the ninth inning. Using an eephus-style pitch, Rogers recorded the first strikeout of his professional career on the mound.

The Brewers’ bullpen limited damage after starter Kyle Harrison exited in the fourth inning, while Detroit’s relievers struggled to contain Milwaukee’s offense late.

The loss underscored ongoing issues for the Tigers, including inconsistent defense, missed scoring opportunities and bullpen instability.

Detroit will look to rebound as the series continues Wednesday.