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The Detroit Tigers jumped on Rangers rookie starter Justin Grimm for five runs in the first inning, and Texas never threatened in a 7-2 loss on Friday night at Comerica Park.   Grimm start: Detroit batted around in the first inning, scoring five runs. The Tigers scored two more runs in the second inning. Detroit was 9-for-13 in the first two innings with four doubles. Grimm struggled with getting pitches up in the strike zone and, once again, with giving up the big inning. Grimm made it five straight starts in which he's lasted fewer than five innings. He's allowed 19 first-inning runs and 14 in the second inning. He left after 3 1/3 innings, having given up 10 hits, walking two and striking out three. His ERA is now 6.37.
Pierzynski goes deep: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski put the Rangers on the scoreboard in the fourth inning, belting a home run over the right-center-field fence. It was his second home run in six games and his ninth of the season. Murph's struggles continue: David Murphy is swinging the bat better, but he hasn't heated up with runners in scoring position. Murphy, batting with the bases loaded and two outs with the Rangers trailing 7-2 in the top of the fourth, struck out. He is 0-for-17 and has two hits in his past 37 at-bats with runners in scoring position. Ortiz deals: Reliever Joe Ortiz looked like the pitcher who broke spring training with the Rangers, giving the pitching staff a boost after Grimm's short outing. Ortiz tossed 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and striking out three. Ortiz had allowed 13 hits and 12 runs in his previous six major league appearances. Font makes '13 debut: Reliever Wilmer Font made his 2013 debut with the Rangers, pitching a scoreless eighth inning. He did allow a walk. Beltre's streak end: Third baseman Adrian Beltre's hitting streak ended at 13 games. He was 0-for-4. Up next: The Rangers will try to bounce back on Saturday night when left-hander Derek Holland (7-4, 3.19 ERA) faces right-hander Max Scherzer (13-0, 3.06) at 6:15 p.m. Saturday night (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and 1540-AM). On Sunday, left-hander Martin Perez (3-1, 2.08) goes up against Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander (9-6, 3.71) at 12:08 p.m. Sunday on (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and 1540-AM).
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