Detroit Tigers, Game 34: One thing I loved, one thing I didn't

The News' Tony Paul gives his quick takes on the Tigers' 5-1 victory over the Rangers on Saturday: One thing I loved The Tigers certainly did their homework in preparation for Rangers starter Kumar Rocker, and it wasn't just about studying his pitches and pitch tendencies. They also knew all about his big woes holding baserunners, and the Tigers wasted no time in taking full advantage. In the second inning, Wenceel Perez and Kevin McGonigle got massive jumps and stole second base easily, both running on the first pitch.

They then each scored on two-out hits, Perez on McGonigle's single (swinging 3-0 again), and McGonigle on Gleyber Torres' single, boosting Detroit's lead to 5-0. The Tigers are last in the American League in stolen bases (13), and second-to-last in the majors. But they knew Rocker has never held a runner in his major-league career.

Baserunners, unbelievably, are now 17-for-17 against Rocker, a 100% success rate on stolen bases: 2024: 1-for-1 2025: 11-for-11 2026: 5-for-5 On Derby Day, Colt Keith later stole a base and Perez stole another, giving the Tigers four steals — their most in a game this season — as they clawed back to . 500 (17-17). They last stole three bases in a game in May 2023.

Magoo makes it 4-0 on 3-0 pic. twitter. com/QTjj8xJtF7 — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 2, 2026 One thing I didn't The injuries really are starting to pile up for the Tigers, who already had lost five players to the IL this season entering Saturday (Javier Báez, Parker Meadows, Zach McKinstry , Casey Mize and Justin Verlander ), then put reliever Will Vest on the IL before Saturday's game.