Javier Báez Powers Tigers to 2-0 Victory with Home Run vs Marlins

The Detroit Tigers snapped a five-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over the Miami Marlins on April 10, 2026. The game took place at Comerica Park and was the first of a three-game series.

Starting pitching and a decisive swing

Right-hander Keider Montero delivered six scoreless innings. He allowed two hits, issued one walk and struck out seven batters.

Javier Báez provided the decisive blow. Báez launched a solo home run in the fifth inning—his first of the 2026 season. The ball traveled 354 feet with a 100.5 mph exit velocity.

Offensive details

The Tigers scored earlier in the second inning. Dillon Dingler, Kerry Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson recorded consecutive singles. Torkelson’s RBI single off Chris Paddack’s changeup produced the 1-0 lead.

Báez later powered the Tigers with his fifth-inning homer. That swing produced the margin in the 2-0 win over the Marlins.

Opponent and matchup context

Marlins right-hander Chris Paddack worked six innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. He walked one and struck out four, throwing 96 pitches.

Paddack previously spent time in Detroit. The Tigers acquired him from the Minnesota Twins before the 2025 trade deadline. He struggled with a 6.32 ERA across 47 innings in 2025.

Montero’s command and defense

Montero stranded three baserunners during his outing. Xavier Edwards tripled in the first, Owen Caissie walked in the second, and Connor Norby doubled in the fifth.

Norby’s double resulted after a misplay by left fielder Riley Greene. Shortstop Kevin McGonigle made a standout defensive play in the fourth. He fielded deep, made a fadeaway cross-body throw, and beat Agustín Ramírez at first.

Bullpen and closing

The Tigers used three relievers over the final three innings. Brant Hurter pitched the seventh and Kyle Finnegan worked the eighth.

Kenley Jansen closed the ninth, retiring all three batters. Jansen recorded the 487th save of his 17-year career, tying Lee Smith for third on the all-time list.

Notes and next steps

• The Tigers improved to 5-9. The Marlins dropped to 8-6.
• Detroit and Miami meet again Saturday at 1:10 p.m. on Detroit SportsNet.
• Riley Greene extended his on-base streak to begin the season, reaching in all 13 games prior to Friday.
• Parker Meadows remains on the injured list with a broken arm and a concussion. The Tigers opted not to call up Max Clark as his replacement.

Kevin McGonigle finished 1-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He entered the game hitting .288 with a .796 OPS through 14 games.