MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Detroit Tigers fell to the Minnesota Twins, 5-3 Saturday afternoon after Anibal Sanchez left the game in the third inning with a blister on his right middle finger.
Detroit led Minnesota 2-0 and Sanchez was cruising into the third inning. When the starter was pulled from the game, the Twins bullied a weak Tigers bullpen and evened up this three-game series.
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Jose Ortega relieved Sanchez after being called up from AAA Toledo Saturday morning. Ortega struggled in his season debut, surrendering four runs in just 1 1/3 innings.
Josmil Pinto hit his fifth home run of the season off of Al Alburquerque in the bottom of the eight, and Victor Martinez hit his fourth in the top of the ninth off of closer Glen Perkins. But Perkins eventually slammed the door on the Tigers' offense for the save.
Detroit will look to win the rubber match of the series Sunday at 2:10 p.m.