Kinsler drives in only run with pink bat

DETROIT -- Don't blame the bats.

Ian Kinsler was one of the Tigers who felt like they could've done more offensively against Chris Young and the Royals bullpen in Sunday night's 2-1 loss at Comerica Park. But he was also one of the Tigers who did something using a pink bat, part of Major League Baseball's annual Mother's Day initiative to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research.

Kinsler singled in Detroit's only run with a third-inning liner into left-center field, scoring Anthony Gose to cap a two-out rally. Victor Martinez and J.D. Martinez added a single and a walk apiece. Detroit didn't produce much else against Young or the procession of relievers that followed.

For some, the pink bats can be an adjustment, and not just for the color. Sometimes the weight or the feel can be different, which can make for a big adjustment for hitters who are particular about their bats. Martinez was one of a few hitters who used the pink bats in batting practice a couple days ahead of time, either to get used to the them or to find the best in the bunch that bat manufacturers sent over.