BASEBALL: Tigers break open close game, earn series win vs. Rangers

Spencer Torkelson launched a two-run home run, while Kevin McGonigle added two run-scoring hits as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Texas Rangers, 7-1, on Sunday to take the rubber game of their three-game series at home.

Matt Vierling contributed a two-run double, and Hao-Yu Lee added an RBI single as Detroit’s offense delivered timely hits throughout the contest. Tyler Holton served as the opener, pitching two-thirds of an inning.

Brenan Hanifee followed with the next five outs, and Brant Hurter improved to 4-0 after tossing 3 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits. Ricky Vanasco allowed one run in 1 1/3 innings, while Kyle Finnegan and Burch Smith each worked a scoreless frame in relief.

Texas starter Jack Leiter (1-3) struck out 10 batters, matching his career high, over 6 2/3 innings but was charged with five runs on five hits and one walk.

Leiter was dominant early, striking out six of the first eight batters he faced. He did not allow a baserunner until the fifth inning, when Riley Greene drew a leadoff walk. Later in the inning, Torkelson capitalized on an 0-2 pitch, driving a hanging slider to left-center for his sixth home run of the season, giving Detroit a 2-0 lead.

The Tigers extended their advantage to 3-0 in the sixth. Jake Rogers opened the inning with a sinking liner to center field that Evan Carter nearly caught but misplayed into a triple. McGonigle followed with a single to right, driving in Rogers.

The Rangers responded in the seventh. Ezequiel Duran doubled, Josh Smith walked, and a wild pitch moved both runners into scoring position. Duran scored on Kyle Higashioka’s groundout, cutting the deficit to 3-1.

Detroit, however, pulled away in the bottom half of the inning. Kerry Carpenter singled and later scored on Lee’s RBI hit. After Tyler Alexander replaced Leiter, the Tigers continued to add on with consecutive hits from Rogers and McGonigle, bringing in additional runs. Vierling capped the outburst with a two-run double, pushing the lead to 7-1.

The Tigers’ bullpen held firm the rest of the way to secure the decisive victory. -Field Level Media/Reuters