The Detroit Tigers played the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-4 draw at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Wednesday in spring training action. Thayron Liranzo led the offensive effort with a 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI day, but neither club could land the decisive blow. Casey Mize worked 2.0 innings on the mound, allowing 0 earned runs on 1 hit. The Jays out-hit the Tigers 9-7 on the day. The draw is part of the exhibition experience, and the coaching staff will evaluate the individual performances as they continue assembling the Opening Day roster.
Key Performers
Thayron Liranzo was the key contributor at the plate, going 1-for-2 with a home run and three RBI. His power was on full display throughout the game. The Tigers will be hoping for more of the same as the spring continues.
Corey Julks chipped in, going 1-for-2 with an RBI, John Peck added to the attack, going 2-for-2, and Josue Briceño provided support, going 1-for-2. The Tigers showed flashes of offense but could not piece together the big inning they needed.
On the other side of the diamond, Ernie Clement led the Jays offense with a 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, and two RBI day. Nathan Lukes also contributed, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. Eloy Jiménez added a 2-for-3 with a double effort as well. The Jays offense proved to be too much for the Tigers pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Casey Mize got the start, running into trouble, working 2.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs on 1 hit with one strikeout. He threw 35 pitches in the outing. The coaching staff will review his performance as they continue mapping out the pitching plan for the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 5.6 innings of work, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out eight. The Tigers continue to sort through their relief options as they build their Opening Day bullpen. Every inning pitched in the spring is an opportunity for pitchers to make their case for a spot on the roster when the games start counting.
Among the relievers, Tyler Holton stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. It was an impressive showing that could factor into roster decisions.
How It Happened
Jays got on the board first with three runs in the fourth inning. The Tigers answered with four runs in the sixth. Jays responded with a run in the ninth. Jays out-hit the Tigers 9-7, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 4,933 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
The Tigers will move on from the draw as spring training continues. Exhibition games can end in ties under spring training rules, and the coaching staff will focus on the individual performances rather than the outcome as they finalize their roster ahead of Opening Day. Every at-bat and every inning on the mound is valuable preparation for the regular season ahead.
