July 20, 2024; Toronto, ON, CAN; Detroit Tigers second baseman Andy Ibáñez (77) hits a double play against Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (25) during the second inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports Jake Rogers’ grand slam capped a six-run sixth inning and the Detroit Tigers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 7-3 on Saturday afternoon.
Andy Ibanez added two RBIs with two hits for the Tigers, who have won four straight, including the first two of the three-game series against Toronto.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had three hits for the Blue Jays, including a two-run homer.
Toronto left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-9) allowed four runs, five hits and two walks while striking out eight in five-plus innings.
Detroit starting pitcher Reese Olson allowed one hit and two walks in two innings before leaving the game with a sore right shoulder. Right-hander Alex Faedo (5-1) replaced him and pitched two innings, allowing one hit and striking out three.
Detroit took a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning. Ryan Vilade singled to center field with two outs and scored on Ibanez’s double to the left-field corner.
The Tigers had a big sixth inning after loading the bases with no outs on Matt Vierling’s single, Mark Canha’s walk and Wenceel Perez’s hit. Trevor Richards replaced Kikuchi and allowed Rogers’ third career grand slam and seventh home run of the season.
Javier Baez and Gio Urshela then singled, and after Vilade was grounded out, Ibanez singled for Baez. Another run was scored when Brendon Little, who replaced Richards, threw a wild pitch with two outs.
The Blue Jays answered with three runs in the sixth inning off Tigers starter Kenta Maeda. Kevin Kiermaier hit a one-out double to left field and scored on George Springer’s single. Guerrero hit a two-out single to center field for his 16th home run of the season, second of the series and third in three games.
Detroit’s Tyler Holton allowed one hit with three strikeouts in the seventh and eighth innings.
Shelby Miller pitched a perfect ninth inning for the Tigers.
Toronto placed shortstop Bo Bichette (right calf strain) on the disabled list Saturday and recalled utility player Addison Barger from Triple-A Buffalo.
–Field level media
