Yankees Struggle at the Plate, Shut Out by Tigers 4-0
ICARO Media Group
In a disappointing performance on Saturday at Comerica Park, the New York Yankees were blanked by the Detroit Tigers, marking their seventh shutout this season. Carlos Rodon, despite his recent strong starts, couldn't find his rhythm, lasting just 3.1 innings while allowing four earned runs on seven hits and a walk.
The Tigers wasted no time taking the lead in the first inning. A ground-rule double followed by an RBI single from Colt Keith put the Yankees in a 1-0 deficit. The struggles continued for Rodon in the second inning, as Spencer Torkelson's leadoff double was converted into a run by Zach McKinstry's two-out single. Rodon then walked the next batter before Andy Ibañez's double drove in two more runs, extending the Tigers' lead to 4-0.
Despite recent struggles, Rodon's outing was marred by hard-hit balls, with five of the seven hits registered at exit velocities of 99 mph or higher. All runs allowed also came with two outs, highlighting the missed opportunities to end innings.
On the offensive side, the Yankees couldn't find a way to solve Tigers' starting pitcher Keider Montero. The 23-year-old right-hander held the Yankees to just two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings, striking out five batters. Despite a promising moment in the third inning, with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge at the plate and a runner on, Montero showcased his composure by striking out Soto and inducing a groundout from Judge to extinguish the threat.
Frustrations mounted for the Yankees in the ninth inning, as a leadoff double from Judge and a two-out walk by Alex Verdugo sparked hopes of a late rally. However, Anthony Volpe's well-hit ball to left field was caught by Tigers left fielder Matt Vierling at the wall, sealing the Tigers' shutout victory.
Although the Yankees struggled at the plate, their bullpen provided some much-needed relief, not allowing a run for the second consecutive game. Jake Cousins, Tim Mayza, Mark Leiter Jr., and Tim Hill combined for 5.2 innings of scoreless relief, keeping the Yankees in the game.
The Tigers' starter, Keider Montero, earned a standing ovation from the fans at Comerica Park for his impressive performance, shutting down the Yankees' potent lineup over five innings of work.
Looking ahead, the Yankees and Tigers will wrap up their three-game series on Sunday as part of the Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa. Inclement weather may force the game to be rescheduled for Monday in Detroit. Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the Yankees, while Tarik Skubal, an AL Cy Young candidate, will start for the Tigers.
It remains to be seen if the Yankees can bounce back from their offensive struggles and salvage a win in the series finale against a formidable Tigers team.