Jack Flaherty pitched six strong innings, Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run double and the host Detroit Tigers blanked the Chicago Cubs, 4-0, on Sunday afternoon.
Flaherty (5-6) gave up two hits and walked three while striking out nine while notching a win for his third consecutive start. Brenan Hanifee, Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest each tossed an inning of scoreless relief.
Riley Greene added two hits and drove in two runs. Kerry Carpenter had three hits and scored a run as Detroit took the series 2-1.
Cubs starter Cade Horton (3-1) gave up all four runs in five innings.
Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner and manager Craig Counsell were ejected by home plate umpire Derek Thomas in the fifth inning for arguing balls and strikes.
The Tigers established a 2-0 lead in the first. Parker Meadows led off with a single and Gleyber Torres walked. Horton retired the next two batters on a popout and strikeout. Torkelson then smashed a fastball off the right-center field wall to bring in both runners.
In the third, the Tigers had runners in scoring position with two out as Carpenter reached on an infield hit and Greene followed with a bloop double. Torkelson popped out to end the inning.
Ian Happ became Chicago’s first baserunner when he drew a leadoff walk in the fourth. Flaherty then walked Kyle Tucker before striking out Seiya Suzuki. Pete Crow-Armstong singled to right, but Happ was tagged out at the plate off a strong throw from right fielder Kerry Carpenter. Carson Kelly walked but Flaherty escaped the jam as Michael Busch flied out.
Detroit extended its lead to 4-0 in the fifth. Torres singled and Carpenter doubled with one out. Greene brought them both home by smacking a single to left. Horton responded by striking out Torkelson and Colt Keith.
Chicago had two baserunners with one out in the seventh. Hanifee set down the next two batters on fly balls. The Tigers stranded two baserunners in the bottom of the eighth.
–Field Level Media
