Max Scherzer leads Detroit Tigers to two straight wins

The Detroit Tigers won a second straight game for the first time since Aug. 3 Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates when 2013 Cy Young winner Max Scherzer tossed a season high 14 strikeouts.

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Detroit still trails red-hot Kansas City for the first spot in the AL Central division by a half game.

Scherzer’s 14-4 record and 2.98 ERA is a shining light for a the recently struggling Tigers batting and pitching. Scherzer has been dominant in the month of August with a 1.17 ERA as well as the month of July where he finished with a 2.08 ERA.

Despite the fantastic start from Scherzer, Detroit’s bullpen still gave up two runs in the ninth innings after eight scoreless. Phil Coke gave up two-run home run to pinch-hitting Gaby Sanchez. Luckily for Detroit, they had scored five runs adding some cushion for their horrid bullpen.

Now, Detroit will take on the Seattle Mariners in a series that could mean a lot more for Detroit than anyone expects. At second place in the AL Central, Detroit is also sits at second in the wild card standings, just a half game up on, you guessed it, the Mariners.

If Detroit can get a home sweep of the Mariners they’ll not only have a chance of jumping into first place, but also add some cushion to playoff chances in the wild card.

The Mariners have won eight of their last nine games. James Paxton will start for the Mariners Friday who is 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA in his young career while the Tigers start Rick Porcello.