HOUSTON — The last time Michael Fulmer won a game, he beat a Minnesota Twins lineup that had his current teammate Robbie Grossman in it. That was three years — and two surgeries — ago.
The last time the Tigers scored six runs in three consecutive road games, they were making a late-season charge to get into the Wild Card race, and Fulmer was on his way to winning AL Rookie of the Year. That was five years ago.
The last time the Tigers swept a series at Minute Maid Park, Jim Leyland was the manager, J.D. Martinez was an Astros outfielder and Justin Verlander won the clincher for Detroit. That was eight years ago.
Point being, it has been a while since the Tigers have been in this position, not just sweeping a contending team in hostile territory, but downright controlling an entire road series. That’s what happened in Houston this week, culminating in a 6-4 win on Wednesday’s night.
Likewise, Fulmer’s path to get back to being a reliable starter again has been long and arduous. And yet, as Fulmer worked through the Astros lineup for five innings, the first three of them perfect, the Tigers looked like the more comfortable, controlled club.