Javier Báez hit a bases-clearing double in the 10th inning for his third hit of the night to lift the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals in the opener of a three-game series Monday night.
Báez had three hits in the game, but the first two combined for an exit velocity of about 112 mph and didn’t leave the infield. His third hit was a line drive over the left-fielder’s head.
Matt Vierling had three hits, including a home run, and four RBIs for the Tigers.
Alex Lange (2-0) earned the victory with two hitless innings of relief. Jose Cisnero picked up his first save.
Scott Barlow (1-3) allowed Báez’s winning hit and took the loss.
Neither starter was effective. Detroit’s Michael Lorenzen gave up five runs and five hits in 5 2/3 innings. Brady Singer allowed five runs and seven hits and four walks in 3 2/3 innings. Singer came into the game with a 6-0 record with a 2.44 ERA in 10 career starts against the Tigers. Detroit batters walked 10 times.
The Tigers got three runs in the first inning without much solid contact. Zach McKinstry led off with a single in the hole at second. With one out, Báez singled over first base and Spencer Torkelson walked. Singer then walked Akil Baddoo on four pitches to send home the first run. Vierling lined a single through the hole at short for two more runs.
The Royals wasted no time in getting back into the game. Vinnie Pasquantino launched a 424-foot, two-run home run and Salvador Perez followed with a 419-foot shot to tie the score before Lorenzen recorded the first out. It was the first time this year the Royals hit back-to-back home runs.
Vierling then put the Tigers back in front with a two-run home run in the third, giving him four RBIs on the night.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his first homer as a Royal to tie the game in the fifth. Nicky Lopez tripled leading off the inning before Bradley hit it into the Tigers bullpen in left. Bradley snapped an 0-for-26 skid.
UP NEXT
The Tigers and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series. The Tigers will send LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (4-3, 2.06 ERA) to the mound. The Royals have not announced a starter.