Finally, since losing All-Stars Magglio Ordonez, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander and Co., Detroit's youth movement is paying dividends. Both the team's offense and defense are ranked in the top five in the sport, ranking fifth in team earned-run average and fifth in OPS.

ST. LOUIS – The Detroit Tigers hadn’t lost a series opener since Houston back in late April. They were 13-2 coming into their three-game series with the Cardinals. Now they’re 13-3, mostly thanks to Sonny Gray, who apparently likes to pitch against the Tigers, and stifled them as St. Louis won 11-4.

Spencer Torkelson had a pair of hits, walked twice and drove in a run to help the Tigers beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 for Detroit’s 15th win in its past 20 games.