In the second inning on Friday night, Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson received a fastball thrown right down the middle by Los Angeles Angels right-hander Griffin Canning.
It was a pitch that Torkelson was ready to hit hard.
And hit it hard he did.
The 2020 No. 1 overall pick turned on a 93 mph fastball, launching a two-run homer to left-center. This home run contributed to the Tigers’ 3-2 victory over the Angels in the second game of their three-game series at Comerica Park.
“We’re focused on finishing the series,” said manager A.J. Hinch when asked about the wild-card race. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, and we are certainly in a better position than we have been in the past. We’ve earned that, but it doesn’t help us secure a win tomorrow, so I need to keep everyone grounded and focused on the present, continuing to play like we did today.”
WINNING WAYS: The Tigers haven’t maintained a .500 record this late in the season since 2016
The Tigers (68-66) are on a six-game winning streak and have won 13 out of their last 16 games since August 11. Currently, they are just four games behind the Minnesota Twins for the final American League wild-card spot, with 28 games left to play.
“Of course it sinks in,” Torkelson acknowledged. “But it’s important to focus on what we can control. We approach our tasks every day, take care of business, and we’ll see where we stand. When teams start to sense their proximity to success and begin to press, they often lose the qualities that got them there. We need to remain true to our approach, keep playing hard, enjoy ourselves, and support one another. I believe that good things will follow.”
Prior to Torkelson’s powerful swing, rookie Jace Jung secured a 10-pitch walk with one out in the second inning. After falling behind in the count with two strikes early on, he managed to foul off four of the last seven pitches before earning his walk.
The very next pitch from Canning was a fastball laid right down the middle, which Torkelson crushed for a distance of 408 feet at 106.1 mph.
mph exit velocity to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
“That’s enormous,” Torkelson remarked about Jung’s 10-pitch walk. “If only he could receive half a homer for that effort. That’s quite demanding for him. He was probably a little fatigued and delivered a pitch that I could really capitalize on since I was definitely prepared.”
HE’S BACK: Spencer Torkelson shares his thoughts on returning to the Tigers: ‘I belong here’
This season, Torkelson has accumulated seven home runs in 65 games and is batting .333 (14-for-42) with four homers, four walks, and 12 strikeouts in 11 games since making his return from Triple-A Toledo.
In Wednesday’s win, he went 2-for-3, driving in two runs.
The Tigers increased their advantage to 3-0 in the third inning when Kerry Carpenter connected on a single to right field. Jake Rogers, who had walked to start the inning, sprinted home from third base.
Canning conceded three runs on five hits and issued four walks while recording four strikeouts over five innings, utilizing 93 pitches. Although the Tigers were held scoreless after the third inning, their three runs proved sufficient to secure the win over the Angels.
“I believe we’re discovering various ways to achieve victories,” Torkelson stated. “This lineup is incredibly challenging to break through. It feels like everyone is contributing solid at-bats from one to nine. When that occurs, it becomes exceedingly difficult for any pitching staff to manage. On the pitching front, I think we’re performing well and providing solid defense behind them. That combination is a formula for winning.”
Kenta Maeda Keeps the Tigers Ahead
Mason Englert, the right-handed reliever, pitched two flawless innings, showcasing a formidable changeup to set the stage as the opener. Afterward, right-hander Kenta Maeda stepped in as the primary reliever.
Maeda allowed two runs (none earned) on four hits and two walks, along with five strikeouts in four innings, throwing 81 pitches. He managed to prevent the Angels from getting on the board until the sixth inning.
“Winning is always enjoyable,” Maeda said in Japanese, with Daichi Sekizaki providing interpretation. “I truly believe we have something special occurring here. As a pitcher, even if you yield a run, you feel assured that your teammates will support you. That’s an excellent feeling to have.”
In the sixth inning, Mickey Moniak capitalized on a mistake—a middle-middle sweeper—hitting a two-run home run to right-center with two outs. Prior to the homer, Logan O’Hoppe reached base due to a throwing error from shortstop Trey Sweeney.
These runs were unearned as a result of Sweeney’s uncommon mistake, marking the first error of his MLB career.
The Angels narrowed the Tigers’ lead to 3-2, but Maeda completed the sixth inning and returned for one out in the seventh. He issued a walk.
off the mound to a warm reception from the fans.
MINOR LEAGUES: Tigers prospect Hao-Yu Lee has been placed on the injured list due to lumbar spine inflammation.
Maeda achieved nine strikeouts from 40 swings, resulting in a 22.5% whiff rate, utilizing six splitters, two sliders, and one sinker. His splitter alone recorded a 30% whiff rate, with six missed swings out of 20 attempts.
“I believe my splitter was functioning effectively,” Maeda said. “I don’t throw an overpowering fastball, so I need to vary my pitch selection. I believe I managed to do that successfully.”
Completing the task
Upon Maeda’s departure, right-handed reliever Beau Brieske took over with a runner on first and one out in the seventh inning. He prompted a flyout, but for the final out, Rogers caught Jo Adell attempting to steal second base.
Brieske returned to the mound for the eighth inning.
He navigated around a two-out double hit by Anthony Rendon and struck out O’Hoppe swinging with a fastball clocked at 98.6 mph, leaving the runner stranded in scoring position.
Jason Foley, another right-handed reliever, pitched a flawless ninth inning, earning his 19th save.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him on @EvanPetzold.
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Spencer Torkelson Powers Detroit Tigers to Victory with Key Home Run in Wild-Card Race
The Detroit Tigers have been making waves in the MLB Wild Card race, and a pivotal moment came when Spencer Torkelson launched a key home run that propelled the team to victory. This thrilling performance not only showcased Torkelson’s immense talent but also highlighted the Tigers’ potential to clinch a Wild Card spot in the postseason. In this article, we will explore Torkelson’s impact on the game, analyze the current standings, and delve into what this means for the Tigers moving forward.
Spencer Torkelson: A Rising Star
Spencer Torkelson, the first overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, has quickly become a cornerstone for the Detroit Tigers. His power at the plate and defensive skills have made him an indispensable part of the team. As he matures into a seasoned player, Torkelson’s ability to perform under pressure is becoming increasingly evident.
Recent Performance Highlights
- Home Run Statistics: Torkelson’s home run in the recent game marked his 20th home run of the season, solidifying his position among the league’s top sluggers.
- Clutch Moments: He has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations, often being the go-to player when the team needs runs the most.
- Defensive Skills: Alongside his offensive prowess, Torkelson has shown remarkable defensive capabilities, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Tigers’ Wild Card Race Overview
The Detroit Tigers are in a competitive Wild Card race, where every game counts. The recent victory, powered by Torkelson’s home run, has boosted their chances significantly. Below is an overview of the current standings in the American League Wild Card race.
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage | Games Back |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Mariners | 85 | 70 | .548 | – |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 84 | 71 | .542 | 1.0 |
| Detroit Tigers | 83 | 72 | .535 | 2.0 |
| Boston Red Sox | 82 | 73 | .528 | 3.0 |
Impact of Torkelson’s Home Run on the Game
Spencer Torkelson’s game-changing home run not only secured the victory but also instilled confidence in his teammates and fans alike. Here are some key impacts of his performance:
- Morale Booster: Torkelson’s clutch hit energized the team, showing that they can compete with the best in high-stakes situations.
- Statistical Significance: The home run contributed significantly to his overall batting average and slugging percentage, enhancing his reputation as a power hitter.
- Fan Engagement: Moments like these captivate the fanbase, increasing attendance and viewership as the Tigers push for playoff contention.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The community’s response to Torkelson’s performance has been overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms were flooded with praise from fans and analysts alike. Here are some tweets that captured the moment:
“Spencer Torkelson is the real deal! That home run was electric! ⚾️ #DetroitTigers”
“What a game! Torkelson’s home run might just be the spark we needed for the Wild Card race! #GoTigers”
Benefits of Torkelson’s Performance for the Tigers
Spencer Torkelson’s development into a key player has several benefits for the Tigers as they strive for a playoff berth:
- Leadership Development: As one of the younger players, Torkelson’s performance is setting an example for rookies and veterans alike.
- Future Prospects: A strong finish to the season could lead to more significant recruitment and trading opportunities in the offseason.
- Increased Revenue: Winning games and making a playoff push foster greater interest in merchandise and ticket sales.
Practical Tips for Fans to Support the Tigers
As the Tigers continue their Wild Card chase, fans can play a vital role in supporting the team. Here are some practical tips:
- Attend Games: Show your support by attending games at Comerica Park. The energy from the stands can greatly influence player performance.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the Tigers on social media, share posts, and engage with fellow fans to build a sense of community.
- Wear Team Merchandise: Show your pride by donning Tigers gear, whether at games or in daily life.
- Participate in Events: Join fan meet-ups or community events to connect with fellow supporters and celebrate the team.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As the Detroit Tigers continue their quest for a Wild Card spot, Spencer Torkelson’s recent home run serves as a testament to the team’s potential. With each game, the excitement builds, and fans are eager to see how far the Tigers can go. Torkelson’s emergence as a key player could very well be the driving force behind the Tigers’ success, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.
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