By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Vikings 26, Lions 16 – The Lions struggled with their ground game, rushing for only 38 yards on Sunday in their loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Detroit scored its points on a 26-yard field goal by Matt Prater, an 11-yard reception by Calvin Johnson from quarterback Matthew Stafford and a 12-yard catch by Eric Ebron.
Stafford threw for 286 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Johnson led the receivers with 10 catches for 83 yards.
James Ihedigbo led the defense with nine tackles while Ezekiel Ansah had seven.
The Lions will play their first home game next week against the Denver Broncos on Sunday night.
Record: 0-2
Tied 3rd Place in NFC North Division (1.5 game behind Green Bay)
Magic # to clinch a second straight playoff berth: 16
Magic # to clinch NFC North Division: 17
Next Game: 09/27/2015 vs Denver Broncos 8:30 p.m. @ Ford Field
Stats: Matthew Stafford 32/53 286 YDs 2 TDs 1 INT, Calvin Johnson 10 Receptions 83 YDs 1 TD, Eric Ebron 5 Receptions 43 YDs 1 TD, Golden Tate 6 Receptions 80 YDs, James Ihedigbo 9 Tackles Matt Prater 1/1 FG (26 YDs).
Royals 10, Tigers 3 – The Kansas City Royals avoided the sweep on Sunday afternoon against the Tigers.
Royals’ designated hitter Kendrys Morales had a monster day, hitting three home runs, a triple and knocked in three runs.
Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Nick Castellanos each knocked in a run for Detroit.
Detroit starting pitcher Alfredo Simon took the loss, allowing eight runs on 13 hits in 4 1/3 innings.
The Tigers start a four-game series with the Chicago White Sox, starting with a doubleheader on Monday.
Record: 69-79
5th Place in AL Central (17.5 games behind Kansas City)
9 games behind Houston for last playoff spot.
Misery # (to elimination from playoff contention): 5
Magic # to clinch their 5th straight playoff berth: 23
Next Game: 09/21/2015 doubleheader vs Chicago White Sox 1:08/7:08 p.m. @ Comerica Park
Hitting Stats: Miguel Cabrera RBI (73), Victor Martinez RBI (60), Nick Castellanos RBI (70).
Pitching Stats: Alfredo Simon L (13-10) 4.1 IP 13 H 8 R 8 ER 3 BB 3 K.
