Matt Vierling hit two home runs, one of them a three-run homer off Jordan Romano in the ninth inning, helping the Detroit Tigers secure a thrilling 14-11 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday. This victory came after the Tigers lost a five-run lead and then rallied from a two-run deficit.
Vierling had a standout performance with four hits, including his two homers, and drove in four runs. Reflecting on his game-winning hit, Vierling mentioned practicing similar situations with his brother in their backyard, making it even more special when it happened in a real game.
Carson Kelly and Spencer Torkelson also contributed with home runs for Detroit, who initially led 5-0 after three innings, 8-3 after five, and 9-5 after six. The Tigers amassed 17 hits, matching their season-high, and set a new season record for runs scored.
Torkelson praised Vierling’s clutch performance, expressing confidence that he would come through in the crucial moment, which he indeed did with his game-winning home run.
Despite falling behind, the Blue Jays fought back, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa hitting a home run in the seventh inning and then taking the lead with a five-run eighth inning highlighted by Bo Bichette’s two-run single and Daulton Varsho’s three-run homer.
Toronto manager John Schneider commended his team’s resilience, noting their refusal to give up even after facing a deficit.
The Tigers responded in the bottom half of the eighth inning, tying the score with a two-run single from Mark Canha against Yimi García, who gave up his third hit of the game.
In the end, Vierling sealed the victory with his walk-off homer in the ninth inning, hitting a full-count slider from Romano over the left-field wall. Romano, a two-time All-Star, has allowed three homers this season, half of his total from last season. Vierling credited his preparation for recognizing the pitch and capitalizing on it when it mattered most.
