Andy Ibáñez hit two home runs in his first two at-bats, driving in four runs, while Ryan Vilade, making his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers, secured his first major league hit and three RBIs, leading the Tigers to an 11-7 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night.
Ibáñez’s first homer came on the third pitch of the game from Logan Allen, followed by a three-run shot in the second inning. He later hit a double in the eighth inning, finishing the game 4 for 4 with a walk and four runs scored.
Vilade, who was brought up from Triple-A Toledo earlier in the day, drove in two runs with a single in the third inning off Pedro Avila, and added another RBI single in the seventh inning, giving the Tigers a 9-7 lead.
Despite not making the opening-day roster, Vilade stayed focused and continued to work on his game in the minors. His perseverance paid off with his impressive debut performance.
Matt Vierling’s two-run single in the eighth inning extended Detroit’s lead to four runs, helping them snap a four-game losing streak. Detroit reliever Tyler Holton, who pitched three scoreless innings after starter Kenta Maeda struggled, earned the win. Maeda allowed seven runs in just two innings.
Cleveland’s offense was led by Josh Naylor’s two-run homer and José Ramírez and Will Brennan, who each had two RBIs. However, their winning streak was halted at three games.
Guardians rookie Kyle Manzardo went hitless in four at-bats, extending his hitless streak to seven at-bats since being called up on Monday.
Ibáñez’s second home run off Allen gave the Tigers a 5-2 lead, leading to Allen’s early exit after just 2 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs and seven hits.
