McGonigle comes up with two hits and three RBI to help lead the Tigers to a 6-4 win over the Guardians and inch the Tigers closer to a playoff spot
Kevin McGonigle is a rookie who never played an out in Triple-A baseball. Though he has been a leader for the Detroit Tigers (59-60) all season. He proved a leader again in the Tigers 6-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians (58-62).
The Tigers took the early lead in the second inning. Riley Greene was hit by a pitch; he shook it off and looked alright at the time. Spencer Torkelson hit a double to left center field and brought Greene home and gave the Tigers a 1-0 lead. It was reported that Greene experienced hamstring tightness and left the game. He will be further evaluated tomorrow.
Chase DeLauter answered quickly for the Guardians. He hit a solo home run in the third inning to tie the score.
That was the only run Tiger starter Drew Anderson would allow. He gave the Tigers four innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, two walks, and four strikeouts.
McGonigle gave the Tigers the lead again in the fifth inning. Max Clark singled to get his first hit at Comerica Park, Javy Baez singled to put two runners on. McGonigle then doubled to score both Clark and Baez. Gleyber Torres then singled and scored McGonigle and gave the Tigers a 4-1 lead.
The Guardians cut into the lead in the seventh inning. Steven Kwan walked, DeLauter singled. Then both the runners advanced on a passed ball. Jose Ramirez then grounded out to Baez at shortstop and scored a run to make it 4-2.
In the bottom of the seventh, the Tigers would get much needed insurance runs. Baez and McKinstry walked. Then Baez attempted to steal third base and he didn’t catch the ball and that allowed Baez to score and McKinstry to get to third base. McGonigle then came up with another huge hit to score McKinstry and extend the lead to 6-2 for the Tigers.
Jo Adell hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to bring the Guardians within three.
Kenley Jansen came in to close the game but it was not easy. Kwan singled to start the inning, Ramirez and Angel Genao walked to load the bases with one out. Adell hit a sacrifice fly to bring the score to 6-4. Jansen got Travis Bazzana to ground out to second base to end the game and secure the win for the Tigers.