DETROIT _ They are unproven pitchers getting chased off the mound, young outfielders unable to chase smash hits down, a batting order that looks more Triple-A than Major League.
It was all on display Sunday afternoon as the Cleveland Indians _ led by American League Most Valuable Player candidate Jose Ramirez _ smacked them around in an 11-1 win at Comerica Park.
After the Tigers parted with outfielder Justin Upton and starting pitcher Justin Verlander on Thursday, they were swept in four games. They are 20 games under the .500 mark for the first time since the last game of the 2005 season.
The game was highlighted by Ramirez, who homered twice and recorded five extra-base hits, tying a Major League record. It marked the 13th five extra-base hit game in baseball history.
Ramirez started the Indians' offensive party with a line drive off the left-field fence which bounced back and then was ricocheted over the wall by Mikie Mahtook, who tried to keep the ball in play with his bare hand. Alas, the effort was not needed: Since the ball hit the yellow line, it was a home run.
Things didn't get much better for lefty Chad Bell, who was making his first start of the season. Bell lasted four-plus innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. He allowed the bases loaded in the fourth inning and gave way to righty Zac Reininger, who did a remarkable job keeping the score in tact by stranding all three runners.
Reininger would soon get his dose of Ramirez, though: An inning later, after allowing a solo home run to Francisco Lindor, he Reininger a two-run home run to Ramirez. This one cleared the yellow line, off the railing in right field, just beyond the outstretched glove of Alex Presley.
The Tigers totaled one run on eight hits. That came when JaCoby Jones hit an RBI single off Josh Tomlin in the second inning. The Tigers had some early opportunities but thrice grounded into double plays.
Daniel Norris' season debut in a relief role did not go well: He allowed two doubles and two walks and did not record an out in the eighth inning.
