- I don't have any issue with the pitching change by Brad Ausmus. It didn't work out. Hardy has held left-handed hitters to below .200 batting average. It was a bad pitch to Michael Brantley, though.
- This game may have been lost on two fronts. The Tigers poor defense did push up Max Scherzer's pitch count. Also, they should have scored more earlier in the game.
- A lot of times defense is little more than effort. The Tigers usually play hard, but they haven't tonight in the field. Bottom line.

My column. High risk, high reward weekend finally arrives for MSU Spartans and Michigan Wolverines: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20140903/pat-caputo-high-risk-high-reward-weekend-arrives-for-msu-spartans-michigan-wolverines