The Detroit Tigers wrapped up their long road trip with a statement win over the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Sunday, Aug. 9. This victory marked the Tigers’ seventh straight series win away from home, setting a franchise record for consecutive road series wins. The team had lost the opening game of the series 5-2 and then won the second game 8-0. Starting pitcher Jackson Jobe made his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery, pitching five scoreless innings and allowing just one hit. Giants starting pitcher Landen Roupp gave up only one run on two hits over 5 1/3 innings but suffered his eleventh loss of the season.
Troy Melton started for the Tigers in the series finale and pitched well, allowing one unearned run on four hits over six-plus innings, according to freep.com. Melton has now allowed no more than two runs in nine consecutive starts.
The Tigers broke the tie in the top of the tenth inning. Hao-Yu Lee singled home automatic runner Riley Greene to give Detroit a 2-1 lead. Spencer Torkelson then singled, and Max Clark brought Lee home on a fielder’s choice to extend the Tigers’ lead to 3-1.
The Giants tied the game in the seventh inning after Rafael Devers led off with a single. Osleivis Basabe later stole second base and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Eduardo Valencia. Drew Gilbert then hit an infield single that allowed Basabe to score the tying run. Colt Keith hesitated on Gilbert’s ground ball, but the play was scored as a hit rather than an error.
The Tigers are currently in second place in the AL Central division, three and a half games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox. They have won six of their last eight games and are one game out of a Wild Card spot.
The Tigers will begin a new series against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The Chicago White Sox are scheduled to visit Detroit from Aug. 14 through Aug. 16. Detroit will be on the road against the Kansas City Royals on Aug. 21.
IMAGE: Tarik Skubal (53947874625).jpg