By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com

Chargers 33, Lions 28 – The Lions opened their 2015 season giving up 30 unanswered points to wipe away an 18 point lead against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday afternoon.

LSJ Logo incertThe Lions jumped out to a 21-3 lead, scoring on a 24-yard rushing touchdown by Ameer Abdullah, a 31-yard interception return by Glover Quin and 18-yard reception by tight end Eric Ebron from quarterback Matthew Stafford.

The Chargers went on a 30-0 tear to take a 33-21 lead before Theo Riddick closed out the Lions scoring with a 21-yard touchdown reception from Stafford late in the fourth quarter.Eye on the D

The Lions went for a desperation onside kick but failed.

Stafford threw for 246 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Lions will travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings next Sunday afternoon in an NFC North division game.

Record: 0-1

3rd Place in NFC North Division (1 game behind Green Bay)

Magic # to clinch a second straight playoff berth: 17

Magic # to clinch NFC North Division: 17

Next Game: 09/20/2015 at Minnesota Vikings 1:00 p.m. @ TCF Bank Stadium

Stats: Matthew Stafford 19/30 246 YDs 2 TDs 2 INT, Ameer Abdullah 7 Carries 50 YDs 1 TD, Eric Ebron 4 Receptions 53 YDs 1 TD, Theo Riddick 2 Receptions 37 YDs 1 TD, Rashean Mathis/Glover Quin/Josh Bynes 8 Tackles each.

 

Indians 7-2, Tigers 2-9 – .The Tigers picked up a split in their doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians on Sunday after having two straight rain outs.

Ian Kinsler and Nick Castellanos each knocked in a run for Detroit in the Game 1 loss, while Steven Moya hit his first career triple.

Detroit starting pitcher Justin Verlander took the loss, allowing four runs on six hits in six innings.

Drew VerHagen picked up his first Major League victory for the Tigers, pitching two scoreless innings in Game 2.

Detroit’s J.D. Martinez doubled and knocked in three runs, while Dixon Machado and Rajai Davis each had two RBIs.

Starting pitcher Randy Wolf tossed a no decision for the Tigers, allowing two runs on four hits in three innings.

The Tigers will head to Minnesota for a three-game series against the Twins starting on Monday night.

Record: 65-77

5th Place in AL Central (19.5 games behind Kansas City)

10 games behind Texas for last playoff spot.

Magic # to clinch their 5th straight AL Central Division title: 41

Magic # to clinch their 5th straight playoff berth: 31

Next Game: 09/14/2015 at Minnesota Twins 8:10 p.m. @ Target Field

Hitting Stats (Game 1): Ian Kinsler RBI (68), Nick Castellanos RBI (68), Steven Moya 3B (1), Anthony Gose 2B (21), J.D. Martinez 2B (26).

Hitting Stats (Game 2): Dixon Machado 2B (2) 2 RBI (2), J.D. Martinez 2B (27) 3 RBI (94), Rajai Davis 2 RBI (26), Andrew Romine RBI (13), Nick Castellanos 2B (25).

Pitching Stats (Game 1): Justin Verlander L (3-8) 6 IP 6 H 4 R 4 ER 2 BB 5 K.

Pitching Stats (Game 2): Drew VerHagen W (1-0) 2 IP 0 H 0 R 0 ER 2 BB 0 K, Randy Wolf 3 IP 4 H 2 R 2 ER 4 BB 3 K.