9th Inning Rally Falls Short, Tigers Lose 5-3

The Toronto Blue Jays beat the Detroit Tigers 5-3 in the first game of a three game series Tuesday night at Conerica Park. The game was scoreless through eight innings with both teams combining for only five hits, then on the top of the ninth, Toronto (35-24) scored five runs capped off by a Brett Lawrie three run homer. Detroit (31-22) tried to rally in the last at bat on the strength of their own three run shot off the bat of J.D. Martinez. However, Blue Jays closer Casey Janssen struck out Don Kelly to end the game and earn his ninth save. Dustin McGowan (3-2) started the ninth and got the win, Joe Nathan (2-2) earned the loss. The two teams face off again on Wednesday with Rick Porcello (8-2) makes the start for the Tigers while R.A. Dickey (5-4) takes the hill for the Jays. Pregame coverage beings at 6:40pm on Lansing;s Big Talker 1240 WJIM.