From the pitching staff that last year produced the worst earned-run average in American League history (6.38) comes an even more impressive start to this season. In the Detroit Tigers’ first four games, their pitchers had a combined ERA of 7.86.

Other pitchers who had a miserable start were several members of the closing fraternity. Troy Percival of Anaheim lost to Boston, blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning after striking out the first two batters. He forced home three runs by walking two and hitting one with the bases loaded.

John Franco of the Mets and Rick Aguilera of Minnesota each gave up a game-tying run in the ninth inning, Todd Jones of Detroit gave up a game-losing run in the ninth and Jeff Montgomery of Kansas City turned a one-run lead into a two-run loss to Baltimore. John Wetteland, in his Texas debut, didn’t allow any runs in the ninth, but he needed 30 pitches.