Dillon Dingler hit a grand slam in Detroit's seven-run eighth inning to seal a 13-1 victory over the Athletics on Friday night.
The Tigers' strong bullpen performance, led by Ty Madden, who allowed two hits in three scoreless innings, played a key role in the win. Madden earned his first win of the season after being called upon to start the game when scheduled starter Casey Mize was scratched due to a potential trade before Monday's deadline.
Kevin McGonigle homered and drove in two runs, while fellow 2023 draft pick Max Clark had three hits, including an RBI double in the big eighth inning. Clark made his big-league debut and became the fourth Tigers player ever with at least three hits in his debut.
The Tigers got off to a slow start, but their offense exploded in the eighth inning, led by Dingler's grand slam against Luis Morales. The 13-1 win marked just the second time the Tigers have won in six games to start a three-city West Coast swing.
The victory moved the Tigers within 3 1/2 games of the final wild-card spot in the American League. With the season nearing its end, the Tigers are making a push to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Ben Malgeri hit his first career homer, a two-run shot in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late for the Athletics, who finished 5-19 in July.
The loss drops the Athletics' record to 54-63, while the Tigers improved to 56-62. The two teams will face each other again on Saturday, with Framber Valdez set to start for Detroit against Jack Perkins.
Source: Yahoo Sports