Those eagerly anticipating a pitchers’ duel were richly rewarded. That is until the 10th inning when Tigers manager AJ Hinch’s brilliance took center stage. Savvy decisions leading to a Carson Kelly 3-run homer in the 10th, paved the way for Detroit. The Tigers now stand at 4-0 after their second extra-innings victory in the young 2024 MLB season.

A Pitchers’ Duel Through 9 Innings

For the majority of the night, pitching stole the spotlight. Both Tigers’ starter Reese Olson and Mets’ Sean Manaea delivered remarkable season debuts. Olson impressed over 5.2 innings, initially erratic but quickly finding his rhythm with a nasty changeup. He concluded his outing with no earned runs, three strikeouts, and two walks. Manaea, however, outshone Olson, pitching six innings of one-hit ball, achieving eight strikeouts and two walks.

Facing a left-handed pitcher announcement from the Mets, Hinch tailored a starting lineup to counteract. The lineup saw Matt Vierling leading off and playing center field, Andy Ibanez taking second base, and Jake Rogers at DH, with Carson Kelly catching and batting ninth.

In the top of the 10th, Spencer Torkelson started on second base. A ground out by Riley Greene advanced the runner, setting the stage for Mark Canha who, after being hit by a pitch, placed runners on first and third. Hinch’s decision to substitute Parker Meadows for Canha added speed on the bases, pressuring the Mets’ infield. Pinch-hitting Colt Keith, a rookie with speed, put additional pressure on the infield.

Just as Hinch must have envisioned, Keith’s pinch-hit resulted in an error by Mets second baseman Joey Wendle, allowing Torkelson to score. Following a hard-hit ball by Urshela that tipped off the pitchers glove, Javy Baez put together a solid at bat that culminated in a sacrifice fly, scoring the speedy Meadows easily. If that wasn’t enough, Carson Kelly stepped to the plate and made a statement. Kelly’s three-run homer extended the Tigers’ lead to 5-0. Shelby Miller then closed the game, ensuring a shutout victory.

Brilliant Bullpen

The Tigers’ bullpen was pivotal throughout, with Will Vest, Alex Faedo, Jason Foley, and Shelby Miller combining for 4.1 innings, allowing only two hits and with five strikeouts. Foley’s filthy performance in the ninth inning was critical, earning him the win when the Tigers scored five runs in the 10th inning.

As the Tigers and Mets prepare for game two of the series on Tuesday, all eyes will be on Tigers’ right-hander Casey Mize making his season debut against Mets’ Adrian Houser. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm EST at Citi Field in New York.

Top Tigers Today:

1. C Carson Kelly: 1-3, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 1 BB
2. SP Reese Olsen: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 Ks
3. Bullpen (Vest, Faedo, Foley, Miller): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 5 Ks, 1 BB, 1 W, 1 S 

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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: © John Jones – USA TODAY Sports