Kerry Carpenter hit a two-run home run for the second game in a row, helping the Detroit Tigers narrowly defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 on Saturday.
Reese Olson (1-5) pitched well, allowing the Blue Jays only one unearned run and three hits in 6 1/3 innings to earn his first win of the season. In his previous start against Kansas City, he had to leave the game due to a right hip contusion after being hit by a line drive.
Olson, who was making his 10th start of the season, has also been struggling with a lack of support from his team’s offense in previous games. Despite this, his ERA dropped to 1.92 after another solid performance.
“Obviously, it was good to get a win but I don’t worry about that,” he said. “I just try to do my job every time I go out there.”
He showed no signs of discomfort from the 102-mph comebacker that forced him out of his previous start.
“Honestly, I knew the day after (he was OK) when I was able to play catch,” he said. “It’s just a little sore but I was moving fine. I threw my bullpen fine, so it was full-go from there.”
Tyler Holton secured the last three outs for his second career save and first of the season. Carpenter also hit a two-run homer in Detroit’s 6-2 victory over Toronto on Friday.
Blue Jays starter Jose Berrios (5-4) surrendered two runs and seven hits while striking out five in seven innings.
The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Carpenter’s home run followed a two-out double by Mark Canha, sending Berrios’ changeup over the right-field fence. It was Carpenter’s eighth home run of the season.
Kevin Kiermaier hit a one-out triple in the third inning but was left stranded. Toronto loaded the bases in the fifth with two singles and a two-out walk, but Olson struck out Justin Turner on a changeup to escape the jam.
“He’s always been the same guy, which kind of impresses me,” catcher Jake Rogers said of Olson, who is in his second season. “He’s probably the most humble kid in this clubhouse. He’s just sneaking in the shadows. Always as confident as ever.”
