The Detroit Tigers staged a comeback to secure a 5-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates, scoring four runs in the ninth inning.
The Detroit Tigers secured a 5-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, breaking their three-game losing streak with a remarkable comeback in the Tuesday finale of their two-game series at PNC Park. In the top of the ninth inning, they rallied to score four runs, clinching the win with a crucial pinch-hit single from Kerry Carpenter.
“It’s a significant win,” Carpenter commented. “Halting the losing streak is a big deal.”
Casey Mize, the right-hander, showed promising performance by limiting the Pirates to two runs over five innings in his second start since returning from elbow and back surgeries. However, the persistent issue remains: the Tigers’ offense struggles to score early in the game.
Despite trailing by two runs entering the final inning, the Tigers demonstrated resilience. With a four-run surge, led by key hits from Carpenter and Jake Rogers, they turned the tide. Jason Foley, the right-handed reliever, sealed the victory by handling the Pirates’ offense in the bottom of the ninth, securing his third save.
Manager A.J. Hinch expressed relief and urgency in the win, emphasizing the importance of the victory before their upcoming series against the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park, following a much-needed off day on Wednesday.
The ninth-inning rally saw Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson reaching base, followed by strategic base running by Zach McKinstry, which led to a tying play. Carpenter’s timely hit, although not particularly forceful, proved decisive, securing the Tigers’ victory.
Reflecting on the game, Hinch praised McKinstry’s pressure on the Pirates’ defense, which ultimately led to a crucial error, highlighting the importance of taking calculated risks on the bases.