Fulmer 1st win since 2018, Tigers sweep shorthanded Astros

HOUSTON (AP) — Michael Fulmer earned his first win since 2018 and the Detroit Tigers built a big lead before holding off the short-handed Houston Astros 6-4 Wednesday night for a three-game sweep.

Outscored 14-4 in losing the first two games with a full roster, the Astros went into the wrapup after putting five players, including stars José Altuve, Alex Bregman and Yordan Álvarez, on the COVID-19 injured list.

Jeimer Candelario had three hits and two RBIs for Tigers, who took advantage of a wild performance by Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1) to pile up six runs in four innings with only a double and a smattering of singles. The small-ball display came a night after Detroit scored all its runs in an 8-2 win via five homers.

The Astros trailed 6-3 going into the ninth and loaded the bases with no outs. Bryan Garcia retired the next two batters before walking Yuli Gurriel to force home a run. Garcia then struck out Kyle Tucker to get his second save.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch wrapped up a triumphant return to Houston with the sweep that followed the Tigers losing their previous four games and six of seven. It was his first meeting with the Astros since being suspended by Major League Baseball and subsequently fired in January 2020 for his role in the team’s sign-stealing scam.

Fulmer (1-0) yielded three hits and two runs over five innings. It was his first start this season after three relief appearances.

Fulmer snapped a nine-game losing streak with his first win since June 14, 2018. An All-Star in 2017, he lost his last seven decisions in 2018 in going 3-12, then missed all of 2019 after Tommy John surgery.

The 28-year-old right-hander lost two games in 2020 when each of his 10 starts were limited to three innings as he recovered from the procedure.

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Fulmer-1st-win-since-2018-Tigers-sweep-16102246.php