Introduction to the Game
The Detroit Tigers secured a 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins on Sunday, tying with the Pittsburgh team for the major league lead with their 17th shutout this season. This win marked a significant turn for the Tigers, stopping their three-game losing streak.
The Game Highlights
José Urquidy made a notable return from Tommy John surgery, contributing to the combined effort of four pitchers that led to the Tigers’ win. Urquidy, a 30-year-old right-hander, had undergone his second Tommy John surgery in June 2024 and recently signed a $1 million, one-year contract with the Tigers in March, following five seasons with Houston.
Urquidy’s Performance
Urquidy relieved Keider Montero in the sixth inning and worked around Agustín Ramírez’s two-out single. He threw 25 pitches, averaging 93 mph with his fastball, showcasing his potential for recovery and future performances. Eric Wagaman singled leading off the seventh, and Tommy Kahnle followed with one out, setting the stage for Urquidy’s pitching.
Saving the Game
Wil Vest followed Kahnle, who got five outs, and finished for his 21st save in 27 chances. Vest’s performance was crucial, especially after a single and walk put two on with no outs. He retired Joey Wiener on a flyout and fell behind Javier Sanoja 3-1 before throwing a pair of called strikes with fastballs at the outside corner, securing the win.
Team Performance
The AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, closing in on their first division title since 2014, were outhit 7-4 by the Marlins. However, the Tigers’ strategic plays and the Marlins’ errors turned the game in their favor. Keider Montero allowed three hits in five innings, contributing to the Tigers’ shutout.
Errors and Runs
Miami made three critical errors in the second inning, which led to Detroit scoring twice. With Spencer Torkelson on first, Colt Keith’s grounder to first went off Wagaman for the first error. The subsequent errors by second baseman Máximo Acosta and left fielder Troy Johnston allowed Keith to reach third and eventually score on Dillon Dingler’s single.
Key Moments and Statistics
Key Moment
Tommy Kahnle inherited two runners with one out in the seventh and made crucial plays, retiring Victor Mesa Jr. on a flyout and Javier Sanoja on a groundout, which were pivotal in securing the Tigers’ win.
Key Stat
Keider Montero pitched his longest outing since throwing six innings against Tampa Bay on July 7, highlighting his improving form and contribution to the team’s success.
Upcoming Games
The Tigers are set to face Cleveland, with RHP Casey Mize (14-5, 3.83) starting against LHP Joey Cantillo (5-3, 3.36) on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Marlins will face Colorado, with RHP Eury Pérez (6-5, 4.67) starting against LHP Kyle Freeland (4-15, 4.97) on Tuesday.
Conclusion
The Tigers’ 2-0 win over the Marlins not only tied them for the major league lead in shutouts but also demonstrated their resilience and strategic play. As the season progresses, the team’s ability to capitalize on opponents’ errors and deliver strong pitching performances will be crucial in their pursuit of the division title.
FAQs
- Q: Who led the pitching for the Tigers in their win over the Marlins?
- A: The pitching was a combined effort led by José Urquidy, Keider Montero, Tommy Kahnle, and Wil Vest.
- Q: What was significant about José Urquidy’s performance?
- A: Urquidy made his return from his second Tommy John surgery, throwing 25 pitches and averaging 93 mph with his fastball.
- Q: What errors led to the Tigers’ runs?
- A: The Marlins made three errors in the second inning, including a grounder that went off Wagaman, a wild throw by Máximo Acosta, and a ball that bounced off a fence and through Troy Johnston’s legs.
- Q: Who will the Tigers face next?
- A: The Tigers will face Cleveland, with RHP Casey Mize starting on Tuesday.
- Q: What is the current standing of the Tigers in their division?
- A: The Tigers are leading the AL Central and are closing in on their first division title since 2014.
