Detroit Tigers Fall 7-5 to Chicago Cubs Despite Home Runs from Torkelson and Carpenter
In a series opener against the Chicago Cubs, the Detroit Tigers suffered a 7-5 defeat at Comerica Park. The Tigers put up a strong fight with Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter hitting back-to-back homers, and Parker Meadows securing his first career hit. However, the Cubs managed to hold on to their lead and secure the victory.
The game started with the Cubs taking an early lead, as they scored four runs in the first six innings against Tigers’ starter Alex Faedo. However, only two of those runs were earned, and Faedo didn’t allow much hard contact. Despite the strong performance from Faedo, the Tigers found themselves trailing.
In the fifth inning, Carpenter hit his 19th home run of the season, followed by Torkelson hitting his 23rd home run on consecutive pitches against Cubs starter Javier Assad. This back-to-back display of power injected some momentum into the Tigers’ offense.
Parker Meadows, who was recalled from Triple-A Toledo prior to the game, made an immediate impact by blasting a single for his first big-league hit. Meadows’ inclusion in the lineup provided a spark for the Tigers.
Trailing 5-2 heading into the eighth inning, the Tigers mounted a comeback. Both Torkelson and Carpenter reached base, setting the stage for a potential rally. Matt Vierling then walked, loading the bases for the Tigers. Meadows had the opportunity to be the go-ahead run, but unfortunately struck out. However, the Tigers’ luck turned when Javier Baez hit a broken-bat, two-run double, and Zach McKinstry added an RBI single to tie the game.
Despite the Tigers’ efforts to even the score, the Cubs remained resilient. In the ninth inning, Yan Gomes and Nick Madrigal hit back-to-back doubles, and both ended up scoring against Tigers reliever Beau Brieske, who took the loss.
The Tigers didn’t give up, though, and mounted another rally in the bottom of the ninth. Torkelson reached on an infield single and scored on Vierling’s RBI single. However, Meadows, once again representing the potential go-ahead run, flied out to right field, ending the game with a 7-5 victory for the Cubs.
It was a game filled with former Tigers, as Michael Fulmer, Jeimer Candelario, and Mark Leiter Jr. all played key roles for the Cubs. Fulmer, a former Tigers reliever, pitched against his former team, while Candelario faced his old club but went 0-for-4.
Looking ahead, the Tigers will meet the Cubs again on Tuesday for the second game of the series. Tigers rookie right-hander Reese Olson will take the mound, hoping to bounce back from a tough outing in his last start. Meanwhile, the Cubs will rely on left-hander Drew Smyly in their quest for another victory.
The Tigers are determined to put up a fight and turn things around in the upcoming game, while the Cubs aim to maintain their winning momentum. It promises to be an exciting matchup as both teams battle it out on the field. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling series.
