Your Five Things For August 18th: Detroit Drops 2 of 3 Against Mariners

1. Tigers Lose Weekend Series Vs Mariners

The Detroit Tigers lose the grudge match in the weekend series 8-1.  Robbie Ray earned the loss throwing 5 innings giving up 3 earned runs, 4 runs overall with 2 walks and 1 strikeouts and 7 hits.  New relief pitcher Jim Johnson went 2/3rd of an inning giving up 2 hits, 3 runs, 1 earned with 1 strikeout and 1 walk.  Victor Martinez was the offensive silver lining going 2-4 with the lone RBI.  The Tigers have a day off as they travel down to Tampa to play the Rays.  First pitch will be at 7:10 pm on Tuesday.

2. Lions Lose By One But Starters Play Well

In the 2nd preseason game of the year, the Detroit Lions lost 27-26 to the Oakland Raiders.  The Lions starters played well but the backups had their struggles.  Matt Stafford went 9/10 with two touchdowns and 88 yards.  Golden Tate caught the first touchdown with Kris Durham catching the second. Calvin Johnson did not play in this game.  The starters on the defensive side of the ball played well forcing an interception.  But, the backups were plagued by silly penalties and sloppy play which ultimately led to the loss.  Rookie kicker Nate Freese missed an extended PAT but made a 55 yard field goal.  The next game will be on August 22nd against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field.

3. Shawn Marion Goes To Cav's

Cleveland adds a veteran just prior to the possible Kevin Love trade.  Shawn Marion signs the veteran minimum to join the Cav's.  The veteran minimum is 1 year $1.4 million.  Marion, 36, has made the playoffs 10 of his 15 seasons, adding much needed playoff depth.  Many believe that the next Ray Allen will be the next player to join LeBron and the Cav's.

4. Another Injury Hits The Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers outfielder and speedster Rajai Davis had to leave the game on Sunday because of a thumb injury.  Rajai Davis has 30 or more steals for the 6th straight season and the first Tiger since 2003.  Davis had an MRI which came back negative and the Detroit Tigers list him as day-to-day.

5. AP Preseason Poll Released

In the first AP Preseason Poll, Michigan State is ranked and Michigan is not.  Florida State is number 1 with Alabama, Oregon, Oklahoma and Ohio State rounding out the top 5.  Michigan State comes in at 8 and Notre Dame at 17. Four Big Ten Teams are ranked in the Top 25.  Michigan is part of the teams in "Others Receiving Votes" category.  See the poll here.