Wenceel Perez’s Late Homer Secures Tigers’ Fifth Consecutive Victory

The Detroit Tigers held on for a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Wenceel Perez hit a late homer that produced the decisive run and delivered the Tigers their fifth consecutive victory.

How the winning run came

Perez, recently called up from Triple-A Toledo, was 0-for-10 before the homer. He lined a 1-1 changeup 360 feet into right field to lead off the eighth inning.

The blast provided the game’s only extra-base hit and proved the difference. It also marked Perez’s first big-league hit.

Managerial moves and defensive shifts

With Zach McKinstry leaving the game, manager AJ Hinch shuffled the outfield and infield. Hinch put Perez into centerfield, moved Javier Báez to shortstop, and sent rookie Kevin McGonigle to third.

Those adjustments set the stage for the late at-bat. Hinch called Perez “a weapon” for that matchup flexibility.

Kevin McGonigle contract update

Rookie Kevin McGonigle recently signed an eight-year extension with the club. The deal is worth $150 million and includes a $14 million bonus with no opt-outs.

The move secures the young infielder during his early major-league tenure.

Starting pitching and bullpen performance

Jack Flaherty delivered six strong innings. He allowed one run on two hits and struck out seven batters.

Flaherty generated a lively four-seam fastball and produced 10 whiffs on 33 swings. He continued a stretch of reliable starts for Detroit’s rotation.

The bullpen closed the game. Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his fourth save of the season. It was the 480th save of his career.

Key plays and injuries

Javier Báez made a highlight-reel play by sliding to avoid a tag. Replay officials ultimately upheld the safe ruling on his plate-involved effort.

Zach McKinstry endured a rough night. He sustained a bruised hip and left the game in the eighth. Manager Hinch called McKinstry day-to-day.

• Royals starter Seth Lugo retired 12 straight batters into the seventh inning.
• Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-out triple in the eighth after a communication lapse in right field.
• Reliever Kyle Finnegan retired the next batter to limit the damage.

Team context and next steps

The victory moved Detroit back to .500 at 9-9. The win extended their streak to five straight games.

Keider Montero is scheduled to start Thursday as the Tigers pursue a sweep at Comerica Park.

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