Colt Keith hit a two-run homer, and Matt Vierling had three hits, including the go-ahead run, helping the Detroit Tigers come back from an early four-run deficit to defeat the Kansas City Royals 7-6 on Monday night. This win was crucial for their playoff hopes.
Pinch-hitter Wenceel Pérez hit a two-run double to tie the game for Detroit, which began its final regular-season road trip by closing to within 1 1/2 games of Minnesota for the last AL wild-card spot. The Twins lost to Cleveland earlier in the evening.
“It was an incredible win because of how we were able to do it,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “We didn’t do much early, although our at-bats were pretty good. Started to chip away a little bit, a couple of really big swings, and then we held on.”
Brenan Hanifee (1-1) got the win in relief for Detroit, allowing one run and three hits over 2 1/3 innings. Jason Foley completed the solid bullpen effort with a perfect ninth inning for his 24th save, his second in two days.
“The bullpen has been doing it all year for us,” Keith said, “and they did it again tonight.”
Bobby Witt Jr. hit a grand slam to give Kansas City a 4-0 lead and added a bunt single for a five-RBI game. However, the Royals missed several chances to score, similar to their loss to the Pirates on Sunday.
Sam Long (3-2) took the loss for Kansas City, giving up three runs while retiring just two batters in relief of Seth Lugo.
“A lot of stuff happened in that game, clearly. It was an intense back-and-forth, both teams putting everything on the line,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You get out to a lead, you feel pretty good. You know they’re not going to go away.”
Indeed, the Royals started their final homestand by taking advantage of what Detroit could not: the bases loaded.
