Five Things for May 27th: Tigers Poor Play Continues in Blowout Against A’s

1. The Tigers are undergoing a very tough stretch right now.  They have lost seven of their last eight games, and have given up an average of 9.333 runs in their last six games.  For a team that has such quality starting pitching, this has been shocking.

Yesterday, it was Drew Smyly's turn to get hit around.  He gave up four home runs, and the bullpen gave up another one to total five Oakland home runs.  The A's scored 10 runs, and Tom Milone blanked the Tigers to give Oakland an 10-0 win.  Detroit made three errors, and Phil Coke gave up a grand slam out of the bullpen.

Prized prospect Cory Knebel pitched yesterday, and threw two scoreless innings.  None of the back-of-the-bullpen arms threw yesterday, so they should be fresh for tonight's game.  Max Scherzer will face Sonny Gray at 10:10.

2. The Miami Heat appear to be on their way to the finals for the fourth straight season.  LeBron James and Chris Bosh were fantastic yesterday in a 102-90 win.  Bosh got going early, and finished with 25 points.  James put up his typically ridiculous stat line with 32 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and two steals.  Miami also hit 30 of their 34 free throws, and Roy Hibbert was a non-factor once again for the Pacers with 0 points and a -23.

3. While that series appears to be all wrapped up, things are getting more interesting in the western conference.  Serge Ibaka didn't play in games one and two, but was a difference maker in game three.  Ibaka scored 15 points, blocked four shots, and provided a valuable inside presence in the Thunder's win.  The series sits at 2-1 as the teams will meet tonight at 9.

4.  Late in the second period game 2 of the Kings/Blackhawks series, all appeared to be well for Chicago.  They had a 1-0 lead in the series and a 2-0 lead in the game, but boy did things change quickly.  LA scored six straight goals to finish game two, then won game three 4-3.

Last night they came out and punched the defending champs in the mouth.  Chicago took too many penalties, and the Kings made them pay.  LA pressured Chicago relentlessly and built a 4-0 lead, and ended up winning 5-2.  The Kings have the look of a champion right now, and have to be considered the favorite to take home the Stanley Cup.

5. According to this article of Joe Rexrode of LSJ.com, Gary Harris really impressed scouts in his Thursday workout.  Rexrode mentions that ESPN's Chad Ford sees Gary Harris as a "lottery lock".