By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Tigers 10, Rays 2– Victor Martinez hit two three-run home runs to help lead the Tigers to a win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Martinez’ home runs were a part of 10 unanswered runs by the Tigers to start the game as Detroit scored one in the fourth, two in the fifth, four in the seventh and three in the ninth.
The Rays scored their lone runs on a two-run homer by Brad Miller in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Detroit’s starting pitcher Michael Fulmer was once again sensational, tossing seven scoreless innings while allowing two hits and striking out 10 batters.
Cameron Maybin added two RBIs for the Tigers while Nick Castellanos chipped in with an RBI double.
The Tigers are now 42-38 on the season, good for third place in the American League Central Division behind the first-place Cleveland Indians. They are currently a half game behind the Kansas City Royals for the last wild card playoff spot.
Detroit will look to continue its winning streak on Saturday evening against the Rays.
Record: 42-38
3rd Place in AL Central Division (7.5 games behind first-place Cleveland)
.5 game behind Kansas City for last Wild Card spot
Magic # to clinch a playoff spot: 84
Magic # to clinch an AL Central Division title: 91
Next Game: 07/02/2016 @ Tampa Bay Rays 4:10 p.m. @ Tropicana Field
Hitting stats: Victor Martinez 2 HR (16) 6 RBI (49), Nick Castellanos 2B (17) RBI (43), Cameron Maybin 2 RBI (22) SB (9), Mike Aviles SB (1).
Pitching stats: Michael Fulmer W (8-2) 7 IP 2 H 0 R 0 ER 1 BB 10 K.
