Keider Montero pitched six scoreless innings, helping the Detroit Tigers complete their first season-series sweep ever against an American League opponent with an 11-0 victory over the Athletics on Sunday.
The Tigers' win marked their third straight victory, keeping them within 2 1/2 games of the last wild-card spot in the AL. This dominant performance comes on the heels of a three-game sweep at home in early July against the A's, which they followed up with another three-game sweep this weekend.
Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run double in the first inning against Gage Jump, who struggled to find the strike zone. Jump walked six batters and allowed six runs in 3 2/3 innings, failing to build on his six scoreless innings thrown Tuesday to beat Boston and snap a five-start losing streak.
Eduardo Valencia drove in four runs with a pair of two-run doubles, including one in a four-run eighth inning. Montero (8-6) allowed just two hits and two walks, while Gleyber Torres added a two-run single in the fourth inning to break the game open.
The final four-plus innings were played with only three umpires after home plate ump Jeremie Rehak left the game after taking a foul ball off his mask. Second base umpire Adam Beck took over behind the plate.
The Tigers' season-series sweep is a significant milestone, marking the fifth time the A's went winless against an AL foe. This last happened in 2019, when the A's went 0-6 against Toronto.
The Tigers' strong performance has them poised for a push into the playoffs. They'll next open a series on Tuesday in Seattle, but their pitching rotation remains uncertain until after the trade deadline.
In other news, the Athletics' RHP J.T. Ginn is expected to come off the injured list for a blister to start the series opener Tuesday at Cincinnati.
Source: Yahoo Sports
