Jake Rogers’ grand slam highlighted a six-run sixth inning and the visiting Detroit Tigers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3 on Saturday afternoon.
Andy Ibanez added two RBIs with two hits for the Tigers, who have won four in a row, including the first two of the three-game series with Toronto.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three hits for the Blue Jays, including a two-run homer.
Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-9) allowed four runs, five hits and two walks while striking out eight in five-plus innings.
Detroit starter Reese Olson allowed one hit and two walks in two innings before leaving with a sore right shoulder. Right-hander Alex Faedo (5-1) replaced him and pitched two innings, surrendering one hit and striking out three.
Detroit took a 1-0 lead in the fifth. Ryan Vilade singled to center with two out and scored on Ibanez’s double into the left field corner.
The Tigers’ big sixth inning came after they loaded the bases with none out on Matt Vierling’s single, Mark Canha’s walk and Wenceel Perez’s hit-by-pitch. Trevor Richards replaced Kikuchi and gave up Rogers’ third career grand slam and seventh homer of the season.
Javier Baez and Gio Urshela followed with singles, and after Vilade flied out, Ibanez singled home Baez. Another run scored when Brendon Little, who replaced Richards, threw a wild pitch with two outs.
The Blue Jays answered with three runs in their sixth against Tigers starter Kenta Maeda. Kevin Kiermaier doubled to left with one out and scored on George Springer’s single. Guerrero hit a two-out blast to center for his 16th homer of the season, second of the series and third in three games.
Detroit’s Tyler Holton allowed one hit with three strikeouts over the seventh and eighth innings.
Shelby Miller pitched a perfect ninth for the Tigers.
Toronto put shortstop Bo Bichette (right calf strain) on the injured list Saturday and recalled utility player Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo.
–Field Level Media
