Padres fall to 0-2 as Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle shines
The Sporting Tribune's Fernando Ramirez writes that the Tigers have a star in rookie Kevin McGonigle but the Padres need to find juice after 0-2 start.
Mar 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Kevin McGonigle (7) hits a two-run single during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The name Kevin McGonigle will quickly be known across baseball. The Tigers rookie has showcased elite play in the first two games against the Padres.
Craig Stammen’s Padres fell to 0-2 after a 5-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, with McGonigle playing a decisive role. In the bottom of the eighth inning, McGonigle came to the plate against Wandy Peralta with the bases loaded and a full count. He drove a ball to right field toward Fernando Tatis Jr.
, bringing in two runs to give the Tigers a 4-2 lead and break a 2-2 tie. Catcher Dillon Dingler followed with an RBI single to right, again toward Tatis, extending the lead to 5-2, a deficit the Padres could not overcome. Mar 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Wandy Peralta (58) walks off the field during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park.
David Frerker-Imagn Images Mar 27, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Wandy Peralta (58) walks off the field during the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park. McGonigle finished 1-for-3 with two RBIs on Friday night after going 4-for-5 with three RBIs on Opening Day. Through two games, he has scored five runs while the Padres have four as a team.