Over on X there a discussion of how the number of batters faced after two times through the order changed during the years.

Bill James would like to know if this really is a good strategy.

As this discussion was going on, Ryan Pepiot got him self in trouble in the fifth inning. A walk and a single put two men on base with one out, the Tigers batting order coming up for the third time in the game. The Tigers broadcast flashed a graphic that Pepiot’s OPS was in the 600s the first two times through the order, then in the 900s the third time though the order. Parker Meadows then battled him for a walk to load the bases, Kerry Carpenter popped out on the first pitch, then Wenceel Perez battled, fouling off a number of pitches before bouncing a line drive down the rightfield line into the stands for a two-run double.

On the other hand Tarik Skubal faced five batters the third time through the lineup, and put out all five. He left after seven innings due to his pitch count, 103 being the most he threw in a game this season.

The Tigers won the game 2-1, so the performance of the two pitchers in the third-time through situation was in fact the game.

The Tigers maintain a wild card slot for at least another day. The Rays chance of making the playoffs got a lot slimmer.