Torkelson Delivers in Ninth as Tigers Edge Blue Jays 3-2.

DETROIT — Spencer Torkelson came through with the game-winning hit Friday night, lining a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Comerica Park. The Tigers ended a three-game skid after Matt Vierling sparked the decisive rally with a soft single to left field. Vierling stole second base following a strikeout by Gage Workman, prompting Toronto reliever Jeff Hoffman to intentionally walk Zach McKinstry in hopes of setting up a favorable matchup against Torkelson. Instead, the Detroit first baseman shot a pitch the other way into right field, allowing Vierling to score the winning run. Riley Greene continued his strong stretch at the plate, extending his hitting streak to 10 games with an RBI double in the sixth inning that tied the score. Greene has now reached base safely in 25 straight games, the longest streak of his career. Dillon Dingler reached base three times and scored once for Detroit, while Drew Anderson kept Toronto quiet out of the bullpen, surrendering just one hit across four scoreless innings. Veteran closer Kenley Jansen worked the ninth inning to earn the victory.

Toronto starter Trey Yesavage turned in a solid outing despite taking a no-decision, allowing two runs over six innings while striking out six. However, control issues hurt him, as he uncorked three wild pitches during the game. Andres Gimenez provided the Blue Jays’ offense with a two-run double in the second inning that briefly put Toronto ahead 2-0.

Detroit reliever Ty Madden exited in the third inning after taking a line drive from Yohendrick Pinango off his pitching arm. The Tigers got on the board in the third when Kevin McGonigle scored on one of Yesavage’s wild pitches before Greene’s sixth-inning double evened the score. Detroit is expected to activate right-hander Casey Mize from the injured list to start Saturday’s second game of the series. Toronto has not officially named a starter, though Spencer Miles is anticipated to handle multiple innings.