Kenta Maeda’s first outing with the Detroit Tigers didn’t go as planned, yet the team’s ultimate victory was as sweet as envisioned. Despite trailing by three runs early to the Chicago White Sox, Detroit’s relief pitching, timely hitting, and a spectacular double play, ignited a come-from-behind victory in extra innings, pushing their record to 2-0.

Maeda’s Rocky Start Overcome by Late Rally

The Tigers received a 1st inning spark, courtesy of leadoff hitter CF Parker Meadows. He launched a triple into the right field corner of Guaranteed Rate Field, showcasing his spectacular speed. 1B Spencer Torkelson’s subsequent single drove Meadows home, marking the scoreboard for the first time in Detroit’s favor. LF Mark Canha extended the lead to 3-0 after poking a two-strike sinker into the outfield for a single, driving in Torkelson and RF Riley Green who reached on a walk. However, an aggressive base running decision by Kerry Carpenter halted the momentum. Attempting to go first-to-third, he was thrown out at third base by a fantastic throw from White Sox RF Dominic Fletcher. Nonetheless, recording the first out of an inning at third base is the wrong kind of baseball “no-no.”

The Tigers would leave Canha stranded, but gave Maeda a 3-0 lead as he took the mound in the bottom of the 1st inning.

The White Sox were quick to counter, primarily through Luis Robert Jr. who tormented the Tigers’ pitching. Despite flashes, Maeda struggled with pitch placement, allowing the White Sox to claw back. Robert Jr.’s two home runs were particularly pivotal, eroding Detroit’s lead.

Dramatic Comeback

While the White Sox continued to apply pressure, the Tigers’ pitching staff found a lifeline in an extraordinary moment from Parker Meadows. His remarkable catch over the center field wall robbed the White Sox of a sure home run and end the 4th inning, injecting momentum into the Tigers’ lineup. Mark Canha harnessed this energy, launching a solo home run off a hanging sinker in the 5th inning, trimming the White Sox’s lead to 6-4.

In the 6th inning, Riley Greene ignited the comeback with his first home run of the season. It was a solo drive to center field, bringing the score to 6-5. Canha then reached base, setting the stage for Carson Kelly, who delivered a critical single to center, driving in Canha and knotting the game at 6-6.

The drama intensified in the bottom of the 7th when Tigers’ closer Alex Lange struggled with control. He walked three batters to load the bases, including the leadoff ninth hitter on four pitches. In a pivotal moment, AJ Hinch called on Will Vest, who induced a ground ball from Eloy Jimenez. Zach McKinstry made a great play at third, initiating a crucial double play that ended the threat and preserved the tie. Not to be forgotten, Spencer Torkelson made a brilliant pick on the McKinstry throw over to first to complete the double-play.

Free Baseball

Extra innings began with the Tigers determined to seize the lead. With Mark Canha placed on second, the stage was set for Carson Kelly. Kelly once again delivered under pressure, singling to drive in Canha for a 7-6 advantage. Relief pitcher Shelby Miller, taking the mound in the ninth and into extra innings, demonstrated veteran poise. Despite it being only his third career outing in extras, Miller shut the door with confidence to earn the win, securing the Tigers’ comeback victory.

With the series finale set for Easter Sunday, Detroit eyes a sweep. They will send RHP Jack Flaherty to the mound against the White Sox’s RHP Erick Fedde. The first pitch is slated for 2:10 EST, with the Tigers keen to maintain their early-season momentum.

Top performances:

• LF Mark Canha: 3-5, 3 RBI, 3 R, 1 HR, 1 SB
• Parker Meadows: 1-3, 1 R, 1 3B, 2 BB
• Relief pitchers Will Vest + Shelby Miller: 3.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 2 K’s, 1 Win (Miller)

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For more from our Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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Original Photo Credit: ©  Kamil Krzaczynski – USA TODAY Sports