Tigers 2, Royals 1: Wenceel Perez’s late-inning heroics save the game

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 15: Javier Báez #28 of the Detroit Tigers scores a run against Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals during the bottom of the third inning at Comerica Park on April 15, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) | Getty Images Happy Jackie Robinson Day, everyone!

The Tigers and Royals were sporting their number 42s in Detroit, and hoping for a repeat of the previous night’s victory, perhaps with a few more runs. To get there, the Tigers would need to get through Seth Lugo on the mound for the Royals, while the Tigers themselves turned to Jack Flaherty to get the job done. The first inning got started nicely as Flaherty got through the Royals in order.

The first out of the game was even on a strikeout, something Tuesday’s outing was relatively short on. In the bottom of the inning, Gleyber Torres hit a one-out single, but Colt Keith grounded into a double play to eliminate the baserunner and end the inning. Three straight strikeouts took the Royals out in order in the second.

I promise this is the last time I’ll mention the strikeouts. I mean, unless they’re relevant. The Tigers likewise went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning.