Gage Workman's First Swing in Detroit Was a Two-Run Dagger, and the Royals Couldn't Answer
You call a guy up from Triple-A Toledo on a Sunday and he hits a go-ahead home run in his major league debut. That's not luck. That's the kind of moment that snaps a five-game losing streak and reminds everyone why Detroit showed up when Kerry Carpenter went down with a shoulder sprain.
Gage Workman pinch hit for Zack Short in the sixth inning against Kansas City and drilled a slider over the right field wall. Two runners on. Tigers up 5-3. Game over. Detroit rolled to a 6-3 win at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday night.
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👉 Claim Your Free $10 at KalshiThe Tigers Built the Lead Early, Then Workman Sealed It
Detroit got rolling in the second. Riley Greene singled to lead things off, Wenceel Perez hit into a fielder's choice, and Hao-Yu Lee ripped an opposite-field triple to bring Perez home. Matt Vierling doubled off the left-center wall and both runners scored. Just like that, the Tigers were up 2-0 before Kansas City even had a real chance.
The Royals pecked back. Garcia smacked a double, Vinnie Pasquantino singled to right, and Bobby Witt Jr. scored on a sac fly. By the fourth, Maikel Garcia singled in another run to tie it up at 3-all. This one was still there for the taking.
Detroit's Bullpen Shut Down Kansas City When It Mattered Most
Enmanuel De Jesus threw 2 and a third innings of scoreless relief to keep the Royals from breaking through. Then Workman's pinch-hit blast made it 5-3 in the sixth. Greene doubled to right in the seventh and scored on Perez's single to center, pushing it to 6-3. Kenley Jansen got the last three outs for his seventh save.
Garcia led the Royals with three hits and an RBI. Pasquantino chipped in two hits and a run scored. Witt finished with two hits. It wasn't enough.
Detroit's up and rolling now. That's what happens when your rookie comes through in the biggest moment of his professional life.
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This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.