Tigers Win 2-1 Over Angels in Ninth-Inning Comeback

Updated July 18, 2026, 12:43 a.m. ET

Back to Business After the Break

After the All-Star break (a mid-season pause where the best players show off in a special game), the Detroit Tigers got back together in Anaheim, California. They did a full team practice on Friday afternoon and jumped right back into work.

Manager AJ Hinch said before the game:

“There’s not a lot to say to this group. We know exactly what’s ahead. We know exactly where we’re at. We feel really good coming out of the break with how we’re playing. We’re ready to go.”

They were ready to go — just not ready to win right away. But in the end, it all worked out.

Important Point: The Tigers beat the Los Angeles Angels 2-1, but they had to wait until the very last inning to do it!

How the Win Happened

Here’s the simple step-by-step of the exciting finish:

1. In the top of the 9th inning (the Tigers’ turn to bat), pitcher Kirby Yates hit Dillon Dingler with a pitch — Dingler got on base.
2. James Outman ran for Dingler and stole second base (advanced one base without a hit).
3. Riley Greene walked (got to first base without hitting the ball fairly).
4. Kerry Carpenter popped out, so it looked like the chance was over.
5. Then Hao-Yu Lee hit a two-out, two-run double into the opposite field — both runners scored! Tigers led 2-1.

The Tigers Hold On

In the bottom of the 9th (the Angels’ last turn to bat):

• Keider Montero gave up a hit-by-pitch and a single.
• He got one out with a pop-up.
• Rookie shortstop Kevin McGonigle made a awesome jumping catch and threw a runner out.
• With runners on second and third, Montero got the last batter to ground out.

That sealed the win — a “save” for Montero over 3.1 innings of relief.

The Starting Pitching Story

Troy Melton, who grew up in Anaheim and watched games at this stadium, started for the Tigers.

• He threw super fast (99 mph) but had trouble with control early.
• He walked two batters in the first inning, and that led to the Angels’ only run.
• After that, he “locked in”:
  • Struck out 9 batters in 5.2 innings
  • Used 5 different pitches to fool hitters
  • Angels missed on 18 of 42 swings

The Tough Angels Pitching

Before the 9th, the Tigers couldn’t score because Angels pitcher Reid Detmers was great:

• Pitched 6 innings
• Allowed only 4 hits
• Struck out 7 batters
• The Tigers’ only good chances (doubles by Greene and Malgeri) didn’t lead to runs

The Tigers had also struggled against top pitchers in the three games before this one.

Summary

The Tigers didn’t need a big speech to get going after the break. Even though they were held scoreless for most of the game by Angels pitcher Reid Detmers, they came alive in the 9th inning. Hao-Yu Lee’s two-run double won it 2-1, and Keider Montero closed the door. Troy Melton gave a strong start, and Kevin McGonigle made a highlight-play on defense.

FAQ

Q: What is the All-Star break?
A: It’s a short mid-season stop in baseball where the best players from all teams play a fun exhibition game, and then teams resume their normal schedule.

Q: What does “save” mean in baseball?
A: A save is when a relief pitcher comes in near the end of the game and stops the other team from tying or winning. Montero earned one here.

Q: Why was Troy Melton’s start special?
A: He grew up in Anaheim and watched games at the Angels’ stadium, so pitching well there as a Tiger was a cool homecoming.

Q: How did the Tigers score their runs?
A: They scored both runs in the 9th inning on a two-run double by Hao-Yu Lee after getting runners on base.

Q: Who is Kevin McGonigle?
A: He’s the Tigers’ shortstop who made his All-Star Game debut recently and made a big defensive play in this game.