DETROIT — Kenley Jansen recorded his 479th career save Tuesday night, moving into sole possession of third place on Major League Baseball’s all-time list, as the Detroit Tigers rallied late to defeat the Kansas City Royals 2-1 for their fourth consecutive win.
Jansen, now trailing only Mariano Rivera (652) and Trevor Hoffman (601) on the career saves list, worked through a tense ninth inning. He allowed a leadoff single to Lane Thomas, who stole second and advanced to third on a groundout by Salvador Perez. Jansen then induced a groundout from Vinnie Pasquantino and sealed the victory by retiring Starling Marte on a flyout for his third save of the season.
Kansas City opened the scoring in the second inning when Carter Jensen drove in a run on a forceout against Framber Valdez, who allowed three hits over seven innings.
The Tigers broke through in the eighth inning against Nick Mears (1-1). Zach McKinstry led off with a double and advanced to third on a groundout. A standout defensive play by Bobby Witt Jr. temporarily kept Detroit off the board, as he made a diving catch to rob pinch-hitter Colt Keith.
However, a wild pitch from Mears allowed McKinstry to score the tying run. Rookie Kevin McGonigle then walked, and Dillon Dingler followed with a 106.7 mph grounder past third baseman Maikel Garcia for an RBI double that proved to be the game-winner.
Reliever Will Vest (1-2) earned the win with a dominant eighth inning, striking out the side.
Royals starter Cole Ragans was impressive despite the loss, allowing just one hit and four walks over six innings in his first matchup this season against Detroit.
Kansas City suffered an early setback when left fielder Isaac Collins exited in the first inning after bruising his right knee while tumbling over the wall in pursuit of a foul ball.
Up Next:
The series continues Wednesday night with Detroit expected to send right-hander Jack Flaherty (0-1, 5.14 ERA) to the mound against Kansas City’s Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.53 ERA), though heavy rain is in the forecast. Pregame coverage on SuperStar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM KQNK begins at 5:00 p.m. with first pitch from Detroit set for 5:40 p.m.
