Detroit Tigers right fielder Matt Vierling made a spectacular catch Tuesday afternoon, robbing Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Josh Naylor of a home run in the top of the fifth inning of game two of a doubleheader.
Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez received great help from his right fielder, when a pitch from Rodriguez appeared to have left the yard until Vierling jumped and snagged the ball off Naylor's bat in his glove, preserving a run.
Vierling's run-saving play would prove to be critical in the Tigers' 1-0 victory. Rodriguez would mow through the Guardians' lineup with ease, allowing just four hits over eight scoreless innings, striking out ten. The Tigers swept a doubleheader with the reigning American League Central Champions at Comerica Park Tuesday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Detroit topped Cleveland 4-3, with Alex Lange picking up his first win of the season while pitching in relief. The Guardians took a 3-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning, before the Tigers stormed back, tying the game in the bottom of the fifth.
Right fielder Kerry Carpenter hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth off James Karinchak, giving the Tigers their first victory of the day.
With a pair of victories Tuesday, the Tigers improve to 7-9 on the season. The club has now won five straight, to make up for a six-game losing streak. Detroit swept the San Francisco Giants over the weekend, and will wrap-up their three-game series with the Guardians Wednesday afternoon. Detroit will travel to Baltimore for a three-game series this weekend, beginning on Friday.
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