The Detroit Tigers snagged a wild one on Saturday afternoon, putting them in position to take down one of the best teams in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in their home series. It was a narrow 2-1 walk-off victory for the Olde English D, a real gut-punch for the boys in blue that sets up a huge rubber match on Sunday.
Tigers Pitching Steps Up, Valdez Needs to Follow Suit
Saturday’s heroics came thanks to some clutch pitching and a late rally. Keider Montero was solid, throwing 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball, and the bullpen totally locked it down after him. Then, in the ninth, Kevin McGonigle came through big time, driving in Javier Báez to seal the deal. Now, it’s all on left-hander Framber Valdez to close out the series. The 32-year-old is coming off a very borderline quality start last time out, but his numbers recently have been rough: a 5.71 ERA and 5.74 FIP over his last three outings. That’s a stark contrast to the pair of seven-inning gems he threw to kick off August. In his last appearance against the Tampa Bay Rays, Valdez went six frames, giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits, including a homer, with two walks and zero strikeouts, taking the L in a 4-1 game. His season ERA sits at 4.35 with an 8-9 record. Can he turn it around for this critical series finale?
Ohtani’s Question Mark Looms Large Over Glasnow’s Return
On the Dodgers’ side, right-hander Tyler Glasnow is set to toe the rubber, and man, there was some real drama around this decision. Reports indicate Shohei Ohtani, who was initially considered for the start, came out of yesterday’s bullpen session feeling less than 100 percent. The big question now is whether the four-time MVP will even pitch again this season. What a blow that would be, right? For Glasnow, the 33-year-old hurler is making his ninth start of the 2026 campaign and only his second since returning from the injured list after missing nearly four months with lower back spasms. He tossed five innings of three-run ball in his last outing against the Braves in Atlanta, allowing six hits while walking nobody and striking out seven for a no-decision in an eventual 4-3 loss. He currently boasts a 3-0 record with a 3.02 ERA.
So, it all comes down to Sunday afternoon at Comerica Park at 1:40 p.m. ET. The Tigers, sitting at 63-72, have a shot to really make a statement against the 81-55 Dodgers. Valdez needs to find his old form, or Detroit will be relying on their bats to get it done against Glasnow. And for the Dodgers? Every pitch in this game will be watched with Ohtani’s uncertain status hanging over the team like a thundercloud. This series finale is gonna be a battle, you can feel it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bless You Boys.
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