Tigers Break Offensive Slump with 6-1 Win Over Royals

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers snapped a two-game offensive slump with a decisive 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night at Comerica Park. The Tigers improved to 11-8 in the early season, showcasing a much-needed boost in their batting performance.

After struggling on the road, the Tigers found their rhythm against Royals pitcher Michael Lorenzen, a former teammate who was making his season debut against them. The Tigers struck early, scoring three runs in the third inning, starting with a single from Kerry Carpenter. Following a walk from Zach McKinstry, designated hitter Spencer Torkelson delivered with a two-RBI double down the left field line.

Riley Greene, who entered the game enduring a 20-at-bat hitless streak since April 9, broke free with a single up the middle that added to the Tigers’ lead. “When you get a couple of runs early, it builds confidence for the whole team,” Greene said. “It felt good to contribute and help us win.”

Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson provided a strong performance on the mound, achieving his first scoreless start of the season. He pitched five innings, allowing four hits and striking out five, demonstrating improved control of his pitches. “When he throws strike one and uses all of his pitches effectively, he becomes hard to hit,” said manager A.J. Hinch.

Olson faced some challenges, particularly in the first and fourth innings, where he had to navigate through traffic. He gave up a single to Jonathan India on the first pitch of the game and walked Bobby Witt Jr., but managed to strand both runners by striking out Michael Massey.

The changeup emerged as Olson’s key pitch, resulting in all five of his strikeouts and catching Royals hitters off-guard. He used the changeup 31 times out of 87 pitches, registering eight swings and misses. Despite a shaky moment in the fourth when he loaded the bases, Olson struck out Drew Waters and caught Kyle Isbel in a flyout to escape the jam.

Relief pitcher Beau Brieske allowed a run in the eighth inning but managed to avert further damage, thanks to a double play initiated by Tommy Kahnle. Meanwhile, Lorenzen struggled against his former team, allowing four runs in 4⅔ innings. Most of the damage was inflicted during the decisive third inning with Torkelson and Greene capitalizing on opportunities.

The Tigers added to their lead in the eighth inning, securing two more runs from McKinstry and Torkelson, who finished with three RBIs. Hinch praised the team’s ability to bounce back, stating, “Tonight was a testament to our resilience. We kept applying pressure and it paid off.”

With this victory, the Tigers look to carry this momentum forward as they prepare for the next game in their series against the Royals. The team’s improved batting, highlighted by notable performances from Carpenter and Greene, sets them up for potential success in upcoming matches.

Jared covers sports for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected]; Follow Jared on Twitter @jaredsports.