Royals vs Tigers Recap: Tigers rally to win 2-1

The Detroit Tigers hosted the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, April 14 at their home park. Detroit won a close game, 2-1, after a late comeback in the eighth inning. Both teams wanted a win to build early season confidence, and pitching played a big role. Cole Ragans started for Kansas City and Framber Valdez started for Detroit, so the game leaned on strong arms. The early innings were quiet, but small plays and one big hit decided the game. Fans stayed alert because the score stayed tight until the late innings when Detroit pulled ahead.

Kansas City took the first lead in the second inning with a tense play. With two outs and the bases loaded, Jensen hit a grounder that forced India at second while Pasquantino scored. The play was a fielder's choice on a 94 mph sinker, so the ball was hit softly and the infield made the play. That gave the Royals a 1-0 lead, and the Detroit pitchers settled down after that. Both teams traded quiet innings while relievers worked around traffic. The early lead showed how small moments matter because one run kept the Royals ahead for several innings.

The eighth inning changed everything and decided the game for Detroit. First, McKinstry scored on a wild pitch, which tied the score at 1-1 and put pressure on Kansas City. Later that inning, with two outs, Dingler doubled to left and McGonigle scored to make it 2-1. Dingler's double came on a 94 mph fastball and it left the bat at 107 mph, hitting 118 feet toward left field. That big hit gave Detroit the lead, and the Tigers held it in the ninth to win. The final score was Detroit 2, Kansas City 1, and the crowd erupted.