Gage Workman's Pinch-Hit Two-Run Bomb in Tigers Debut Ends Detroit's Five-Game Skid
Gage Workman didn't waste any time making an impression in the big leagues. In his first game with Detroit, the rookie smacked a tiebreaking, pinch-hit two-run home run that powered the Tigers past the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Sunday night at Kauffman Stadium. It was Workman's first major league home run, and it snapped a brutal five-game losing streak for the Tigers.
Workman was called up from Triple-A Toledo on Sunday after Kerry Carpenter landed on the injured list with a left shoulder sprain. The timing couldn't have been better. In the sixth inning with the score knotted at 3, Workman stepped in to pinch hit for Spencer Torkelson and crushed a slider over the right field wall. That's the kind of debut you dream about.
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The Tigers got contributions up and down the lineup. Matt Vierling drove in two runs on a double off the left-center wall in the second inning. Hao-Yu Lee and Wenceel Perez each added an RBI. Riley Greene was a spark plug, reaching base four times and scoring a run. In the seventh, Greene doubled to right and scored on Perez's single to center to make it 6-3.
Detroit's Pitching Held Up When It Counted
On the mound, Enmanuel De Jesus tossed 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the win (improving to 2-0). Kenley Jansen closed things out by getting the final three outs for his seventh save of the season.
The Royals fought back in spots. Maikel Garcia led the way with three hits and an RBI. Vinnie Pasquantino chipped in two hits and drove in a run, while Bobby Witt Jr. added two hits and a run scored. But it wasn't enough to overcome Workman's blast and early Detroit offense.
The Tigers look to keep the momentum rolling as they head into their next matchup. After snapping that losing streak in style, Detroit's got real juice heading forward.
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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.