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In a dynamic display, the Detroit Tigers launched three home runs within five plate appearances against Los Angeles Angels right-hander Johnny Cueto, totaling a remarkable distance of 1,272 feet.
Each of the home runs sailed powerfully to center field.
Jake Rogers launched a first-pitch fastball an impressive 422 feet; Riley Greene sent a middle-middle sinker soaring 425 feet; and Kerry Carpenter smashed a middle-down changeup, also traveling 425 feet.
These three home runs, highlighted by Rogers’ go-ahead hit in the fifth inning, propelled the Tigers to a 6-2 victory over the Angels during the opening game of a three-game series at Comerica Park. The game commenced at 9:25 p.m., delayed from the original start time of 6:40 p.m. due to rain.
“It’s huge,” said Rogers. “Those were significant at-bats. I aimed to kickstart the bottom of the lineup and advance it to the guys, Murderers’ Row. Every homer counts as a good one.”
With this victory, the Tigers (67-66) have secured five consecutive wins, marking their first time above a .500 record since June 4. They currently trail by five games for the final American League wild-card slot.
In their last 15 games, the team boasts an impressive 12-3 record.
“It’s amazing where we stand as a team,” added Greene. “We’re not changing anything. Our aim is to win every game we can.”
The trio of long home runs assisted the Tigers, but they also capitalized on Angels’ errors during the fourth inning, which led to their initial two runs.
Mistakes in the field on Parker Meadows’ triple, Matt Vierling’s RBI double, and Kerry Carpenter’s RBI single resulted in one charged error despite three misplays. Nevertheless, the Tigers took a 2-1 lead.
Following the Angels’ response, the Tigers struck three home runs off Cueto in the fifth and sixth innings.
“He was going to pump strikes,” said manager A.J. Hinch. “Johnny Cueto has a history of throwing strikes, and he can alter his pitches, employing that shimmy.”
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He disrupts timing, and as a young team, we cautioned our players that he would be in full shimmy mode. Surprisingly, he didn’t utilize it as much as I expected, primarily because we managed to get a few players on base, resulting in him achieving quick outs. Our approach was to be aggressive against him.
In the fifth inning, Rogers propelled the Tigers to a 3-2 lead with a two-out solo homer to center field. The sixth saw Greene hit a solo home run, followed by Carpenter’s two-run homer, extending the lead to 6-2.
Greene has now hit 19 home runs over 108 games.
“I tell the guys repeatedly, ‘If Rog can do it, so can anyone,'” Rogers remarked. “Winning is enjoyable. Scoring a lot of runs definitely contributes to that.”
Carpenter’s homer led to Cueto being chased from the game; the veteran pitcher, with 17 years in MLB, surrendered six runs on six hits and issued one walk while striking out five across more than five innings, with 83 pitches thrown. This was only his second start in the majors this season, after making 13 starts in the minors.
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First time starting
Brant Hurter, a left-hander who started 18 of 19 games in Triple-A Toledo, made his MLB start on Tuesday after previously appearing in four games as a long reliever.
At nearly 26 years old, Hurter allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four, totaling 80 pitches thrown. He effectively navigated a lineup featuring many right-handed hitters, even in the absence of a standout pitch to retire them.
“It wasn’t too different,” Hurter expressed. ”Most lineups I face often remove their lefties, given that I’m more effective against them. So seeing one lefty wasn’t very unusual. I encountered similar situations in Triple-A, so it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary.”
<img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:440px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://www.freep.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/08/28/PDTF/74976235007-usatsi-
RACKING UP WINS:The Detroit Tigers haven’t reached .500 this late in the season since 2016.
In the first inning, the Angels scored one run due to Nolan Schanuel’s RBI single, followed by another run in the fifth inning from Taylor Ward’s sacrifice fly.
Hurter displayed impressive performance by retiring 10 consecutive batters, from one out in the first inning to two outs in the fourth inning. He also managed to leave two runners in scoring position in the first inning, where a balk advanced the runners before striking out Anthony Rendon with a sweeping pitch that perfectly hit the strike zone corner.
Hurter has recorded a 3.57 ERA with three walks and 21 strikeouts over 22.2 innings spanning five games (one start) in his MLB career.
“I wasn’t particularly pleased with my performance,” Hurter remarked. “My offspeed pitches weren’t landing at all. I was getting away with the sinker. By no means did I pitch well.”
Following Hurter, the Tigers benefited from scoreless appearances by right-handed relievers Brenan Hanifee, Shelby Miller, and Jason Foley. In the ninth inning, Foley secured the final out after Miller allowed two batters to reach base with two outs.
Hanifee managed to retire all eight batters he faced in two innings of work.
“He really goes into attack mode with his two-seam, four-seam, and an occasional slider,” Hinch commented. “His ability to get eight-up, eight-down was crucial in the game. When I pulled Hurter, there was still a lot of game left and plenty of pitching to manage.”
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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Detroit Tigers Soar with Three Home Runs, Defeating Angels 6-2 in Rain-Delayed Opener
The Detroit Tigers showcased their power at the plate in their recent matchup against the Los Angeles Angels, securing an impressive 6-2 victory, bolstered by three pivotal home runs. This thrilling game was marked by a rain delay that tested the patience of fans and players alike. Let’s dive into the details of this electrifying opener that set the tone for the Tigers’ season.
Game Overview
The game began under less-than-ideal weather conditions, which led to a delay before the first pitch. However, once the skies cleared, the Tigers wasted no time showcasing their offensive prowess. Key moments from the game include:
- Home Runs: The Tigers launched three home runs, each contributing significantly to the score.
- Pitching Performance: The Tigers’ pitching staff held the Angels to just two runs, demonstrating strong control on the mound.
- Defensive Plays: Solid defense helped keep the Angels from mounting a comeback.
Key Players of the Game
Several players stood out during the game, making pivotal contributions that led the Tigers to victory. Here’s a closer look at some key contributors:
1. Miguel Cabrera
The veteran slugger hit one of the Tigers’ home runs, reaffirming his status as one of the most powerful hitters in baseball. Cabrera’s experience and skill proved vital in the tight moments of the game.
2. Riley Greene
Greene had a stellar performance, hitting a home run that energized the stadium. His ability to connect with the ball consistently is a promising sign for the season.
3. Tarik Skubal
On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal delivered an impressive performance, striking out several Angels batters and keeping their lineup off-balance. His ability to command the game played a crucial role in the Tigers’ success.
Home Runs: A Closer Look
The Tigers’ offensive explosion was highlighted by their three home runs. Let’s break down each homer:
| Player | Inning | Distance (ft) | Situation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miguel Cabrera | 3rd | 390 | Two runners on base |
| Riley Greene | 5th | 405 | Solo shot |
| Spencer Torkelson | 7th | 420 | Lead-off home run |
Rain Delay: Impact on the Game
The rain delay lasted approximately two hours, causing both teams to readjust their strategies. Here’s how the delay affected the game:
- Pitching Changes: The delay forced both teams to reconsider their pitching rotations. The Tigers had to rely on their bullpen to maintain the lead.
- Player Mindset: Players had to stay mentally sharp despite the interruption, highlighting the importance of focus in baseball.
- Fan Experience: Although the rain delay tested the fans’ patience, it also created a palpable excitement when the game finally resumed.
Benefits of Strong Offense in Baseball
A strong offensive performance, such as the Tigers displayed, has several benefits for a team’s success:
- Increased Morale: Home runs and high-scoring games boost team morale and confidence.
- Strategic Advantages: Leading in runs allows teams to play more strategically, focusing on defense.
- Fan Engagement: High-scoring games draw increased fan interest, leading to better attendance and support.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Baseball Players
For young athletes looking to improve their game and emulate the Tigers’ success, consider the following tips:
1. Focus on Batting Technique
Work on your swing and hitting mechanics. A solid batting technique is crucial for hitting home runs and achieving consistent performance.
2. Understand Pitching Strategies
Learn to read pitchers and anticipate their strategies. This knowledge can help you better prepare for at-bats.
3. Enhance Physical Conditioning
Develop a robust fitness regimen. Physical conditioning is key to improving overall performance on the field.
Case Study: The Importance of Early Season Momentum
The Tigers’ victory against the Angels is a testament to the significance of starting the season strong. Teams that win early games can set a positive tone for the rest of the season. Here’s a brief analysis:
- Building Confidence: Winning early instills confidence in players, allowing them to perform at their best.
- Fan Support: Strong starts can lead to increased fan engagement and support, creating a home-field advantage.
- Team Dynamics: Winning fosters camaraderie among players, leading to improved teamwork and collaboration.
First-Hand Experience: The Energy of a Winning Game
Attending a game where your team wins can be an exhilarating experience. The buzz in the stadium, the cheers of the crowd, and the thrill of home runs create an atmosphere that is unmatched. Fans report feelings of euphoria and pride when their team performs well, as seen in the recent Tigers vs. Angels game. Such experiences can create lifelong memories and deepen the bond between fans and the team.
Conclusion
The Detroit Tigers’ impressive performance against the Los Angeles Angels, highlighted by three home runs and strong pitching, is a promising sign for the season ahead. As they continue to build momentum, fans and players alike will be eager to see what this season holds. Stay tuned for more updates as the Tigers aim for greatness!
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