On a night that started on a real down note as Matthew Boyd was scratched with ongoing elbow trouble, Tyler Alexander gave the Detroit Tigers a heck of a spot start and an explosion of home run power in the late innings carried the Tigers over the Rays.
Much credit is due to Alexander in this one. Again and again, the lefty has functioned as spackle for A.J. Hinch, plugging holes wherever asked, often with no warning. He came through with a fine outing against the best team in the American League.
Alexander got into trouble right out of the gate, allowing a one-out single to Wander Franco and then a double from Nelson Cruz.