Vierling’s Late Blast Lifts Tigers Over Angels 6-5

Matt Vierling launched his first home run of the season, a three-run shot in the eighth inning, to power the Detroit Tigers to a 6-5 comeback victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

Trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the eighth, the Tigers took advantage of wildness from Angels reliever Reid Detmers (3-3), who issued back-to-back walks to pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones and Gleyber Torres. Vierling, pinch-hitting for Kerry Carpenter, then sent a drive over the bullpen in left field to give Detroit the lead for good.

The rally saved Detroit from what could have been a third straight loss on a night when ace Tarik Skubal surrendered back-to-back home runs for the first time this season.

Leading 3-1 in the fifth, Skubal gave up a two-run homer to Gustavo Campero, tying the game. Just two pitches later, Zach Neto homered for the second time this year off Skubal, putting Los Angeles ahead. After striking out Nolan Schanuel, Skubal allowed an infield single to Mike Trout, ending his shortest start of the year.

Troy Melton (2-1) earned the win with 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, and Kyle Finnegan worked a clean ninth for his 23rd save.

Logan O’Hoppe opened the scoring for Los Angeles with an RBI double in the second inning, but Detroit responded in the bottom half. Spencer Torkelson hit his 25th homer, Riley Greene singled and moved to third on Zach McKinstry’s double, and Javier Báez blooped a two-run single to left for a 3-1 lead.

Jo Adell’s 24th homer of the season in the eighth briefly gave the Angels a two-run cushion before Vierling’s decisive swing.

The game was briefly delayed in the third when Angels center fielder Bryce Teodosio hit his head on the wall after stumbling on a fly ball. He stayed in for the rest of the inning but was replaced by Campero in the fourth.

Key Moment:

With one out and a runner on first in the seventh, Zach Neto ripped a 106.7 mph liner to left, but Riley Greene made a diving catch to keep the Tigers within striking distance.

Key Stat:

Before Friday, Skubal hadn’t allowed back-to-back home runs since July 25, 2021, when Salvador Perez and Jorge Soler did it for Kansas City.

Up Next:

The series continues Saturday with Detroit’s Charlie Morton (7-9, 5.20 ERA) making his second start for the Tigers against Angels lefty Yusei Kikuchi (5-7, 3.22 ERA).