The Detroit Tigers produced an eight-run surge over the final two innings to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 10-4 on Thursday night, overcoming a two-run deficit in the eighth inning. Dillon Dingler delivered the key blow with a three-run home run that capped a five-run eighth inning, while Spencer Torkelson added a two-run shot in the ninth.
Entering the game, Detroit was listed as a slight road favorite with moneyline odds around -120, while the host Angels were priced at approximately +100. The odds reflected the Tigers’ recent strong form and the Angels’ struggles.
Detroit trailed 4-2 in the top of the eighth when Gleyber Torres, who recorded three hits in the game, led off with a single. Riley Greene drew a walk, and Andy Ibáñez followed with an RBI single that brought the Tigers within one. A misplay in center field by Jo Adell allowed the runners to advance, putting two more runners in scoring position. Zach McKinstry then drove in the tying run with a single, and Dingler, playing in just his 12th major league game, launched a 409-foot home run to left field to give the Tigers a 7-4 lead.
The rally continued into the ninth when Torkelson hit his ninth home run of the season, a two-run shot that pushed the lead to six runs. Detroit, now 20-12, holds the best record in the American League.
Tigers starter Casey Mize improved to 5-1 after allowing four runs on seven hits across seven innings. Mize gave up solo and two-run homers to Logan O’Hoppe and Jorge Soler, respectively, but settled in to keep the game within reach for Detroit’s offense.
Left-hander Yusei Kikuchi gave up two runs and five hits in five innings for the Angels. Reliever Ryan Zeferjahn held the Tigers scoreless in the seventh, but the bullpen faltered in the eighth. Reid Detmers (0-2) was charged with the loss after allowing three earned runs and retiring only one batter.
The loss marked the sixth consecutive defeat for the Angels, who fell to the bottom of the AL West standings. Following the game, Los Angeles announced that star outfielder Mike Trout would be placed on the 10-day injured list due to a bone bruise in his surgically repaired left knee. Trout had exited the previous game with knee discomfort and has played through multiple injuries over the past two seasons.
Javier Báez and Torres had earlier contributed solo home runs in the third inning off Kikuchi, but the Angels responded with three runs in the bottom half, including Soler’s two-run homer. However, Los Angeles was held scoreless after the third inning, and the Tigers’ bullpen completed the game without allowing a run.
The series continues Friday night with AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.34 ERA) starting for the Tigers against Angels right-hander Jose Soriano (2-4, 4.50 ERA).