Twistity Sports Exclusive: THE PRICE IS WRONG

 
Homecoming always has a bittersweet tinge to it. All the memories, the struggles, the achievements, the disappointments cause a rush of emotions.

David Price got all of that and more on Thursday night. The former ace of the Tampa Bay Rays, traded to the Detroit Tigers on July 31, pitched against his old teammates in that airy white dome in St. Petersburg for the first time. It was a night to remember. And to forget.

He retired 23 consecutive batters. He struck out nine. He allowed one hit and one run.

And he lost, 1-0.

An error allowed Tampa Bay’s Ben Zobrist to get on base in the first inning. Brandon Guyer tripled him in. And that was it. The Tigers managed only four hits of their own and Price was a loser in the city where he won the 2012 Cy Young award.

“I’ve never seen a win like that,” Guyer said.

Price got a warm welcome from the 19,189 on hand when he took his warmup pitches and he exhibited his customary brilliance. He just didn’t win.

“That’s probably as good as I’ve pitched in a game that went my way,” said Price, now 12-9. “It’s the least amount of hits I’ve ever given up.”

The Tigers could have used a victory. They’re 1 ½ games behind the Kansas City Royals in the American League Central, a mere 5-5 in their last 10 outings.

You can go home again. You just can’t count on everything going your way. Even when just about everything did.

Today’s question: Will the Tigers catch the Royals and reach the postseason playoffs? Answers in the comment box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman