Torkelson’s Extra-Inning Heroics Seal 8–6 Win for Tigers over Rockies

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On Wednesday night, the Detroit Tigers pulled off a thrilling 8–6 victory against the struggling Colorado Rockies, thanks to Spencer Torkelson’s clutch double in the tenth inning. The win not only lifted Detroit’s spirits but also marked a major career milestone for manager A.J. Hinch, who notched his 900th career victory in the big leagues. The Tigers and Rockies exchanged blows early, with both starting pitchers exiting the game after allowing six runs each. Detroit's Jackson Jobe lasted just 3 2/3 innings, while Colorado’s Chase Dollander made it through only three. Offensively, Javier Báez stepped up for Detroit, delivering two separate two-run singles that helped keep the Tigers in the game. As the game pushed into extra innings, Torkelson stepped into the spotlight. With Riley Greene starting on second base due to MLB’s extra-innings rule, Torkelson ripped a double into right-center field off Rockies reliever Zach Agnos. That gave the Tigers a 7–6 lead, which they padded when Trey Sweeney’s shallow fly ball dropped in left field and was ruled an error. Detroit reliever Will Vest earned the win after a gutsy performance. He struck out pinch-hitter Kyle Farmer to escape a jam in the ninth, then induced a game-ending flyout in the tenth to seal the win. Vest improved to 2–0 on the season.

While Detroit celebrated, Colorado was left reeling. The Rockies fell to 6–29 on the season, tied for the second-worst 35-game start in Major League Baseball’s live-ball era, which began in 1920. The only team with a worse record? The 1988 Baltimore Orioles, who started 5–30. Despite the loss, Colorado’s Ryan McMahon was a bright spot, collecting four hits—including two doubles and a two-run homer. Michael Toglia also had a strong night with a pair of doubles and a two-run home run. Looking ahead, the path remains tough for the Rockies, who are in the middle of a brutal 29-game stretch against teams with winning records. They won’t face another sub-.500 team until they play the Miami Marlins from June 2–4.

The Tigers and Rockies are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Thursday. Detroit will send right-hander Casey Mize (5–1, 2.70 ERA) to the mound in the first game, while Colorado counters with lefty Kyle Freeland (0–4, 5.70 ERA).