Minnesota almost avoided a shutout, placing runners on base in the ninth to threaten at least something. Naturally, with one out, Edouard Julien lined a pitch up the middle... into shortstop Trey Sweeney 's glove, leading him to catch the ball and step on second to end the game and secure the shutout. So it goes.

According to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Tigers pitcher Charlie Morton, who was traded to Detroit from the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline, joined Nolan Ryan and John Smoltz as the only pitchers above the age of 40 in MLB history to record seven or more consecutive strikeouts in a game since the league's expansion era began in 1961.

The 41-year-old Morton, pairing a firm four-seam fastball with his signature curveball, was outstanding. He allowed a run on four hits with six strikeouts.