Tigers hit 3 home runs to drop Rays

A first-inning power surge lifted Detroit to yet another win on Thursday night.

The Tigers hit three home runs in the first inning against Erik Bedard to beat the Rays, 8-1, on Thursday in a battle between two of the hottest teams in the American League at Comerica Park.

Ian Kinsler and Victor Martinez both hit two-run home runs in the first inning, then Torii Hunter added a solo shot to give Detroit an early 5-1 lead. Miguel Cabrera didn't hit a home run, but he was 3-for-4 with a walk and scored four runs in the Tigers' fourth consecutive win.

The last time the Tigers hit 3 homers in the 1st inning was on June 18, 2006 at the Chicago Cubs.

— Tigers PR (@DetroitTigersPR) July 3, 2014

Detroit has won 12 of its last 14 games to build a five-game lead in the American League Central over the Royals.

The Rays saw their five-game winning streak snapped, unable to utilize any pregame karma brought by manager Joe Maddon's attempt at a Tommy Tutone starting lineup.

Dad pants

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh took in the Giants' afternoon game on Wednesday, and the Giants' television crew were making fun of Harbaugh's trademark khakis.

Outstanding in Oakland

Despite winning two straight American League West titles and owning the best record in baseball in 2014, it seems the Athletics specialize in operating under the radar. The same goes for Oakland first baseman-outfielder Brandon Moss, who's having quite the first half.

Brandon Moss has 62 RBI, which are the most by an #Athletics player before the ASB since 2000 (Giambi, 78; Grieve, 65; Tejada, 63).

— Oakland Athletics (@Athletics) July 4, 2014

Thursday scores

Cardinals 7, Giants 2

Phillies 5, Mets 4

Tigers 8, Rays 1

Diamondbacks 10, Pirates 2

Orioles 5, Rangers 2

Dodgers 3, Rockies 2

Yankees 7, Twins 4

Athletics 4, Blue Jays 1

Angels 5, Astros 2

from SBNation.com - All Posts http://ift.tt/1rt6arN