DETROIT (AP) – Glen Perkins crouched in front of the mound with his head down, trying to come to terms with a home run that put a bit of a dent in Minnesota’s playoff chances.
Rajai Davis hit a two-run shot off Perkins in the eighth inning, and the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 6-4 victory over the Twins on Friday night. It was the type of loss Minnesota may look back on if it doesn’t make the postseason. The Twins entered the day trailing Houston by 1 1/2 games for the second wild card in the American League, and they were up 4-1 in the seventh against the sub-.500 Tigers before the bullpen gave away the lead.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Perkins said. “The whole second half of the season has been torture for me, because I know that if I pitch the way I’m capable of pitching, we’ve either clinched a playoff spot or we’re in a much better position.”
Victor Martinez tied it with a two-run double off Perkins in the seventh, and Perkins (2-5) also allowed Davis’ opposite-field homer to right an inning later. Since July 18, Perkins is 2-4 with a 7.79 ERA. He missed time earlier this month with a bad back.
The Tigers outhit Minnesota 13-2. Alex Wilson (3-3) got the win in relief, and Neftali Feliz pitched the ninth for his ninth save.