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Rejuvenated Tigers Dominate in Desert, Eye Sweep of Diamondbacks
Tigers’ Offensive Surge in Arizona
The Detroit Tigers, reinvigorated by the Arizona desert, are on the brink of completing a three-game series sweep against the Diamondbacks in Phoenix this Sunday. This follows a challenging period where they were shut out in back-to-back games by the Miami Marlins before embarking on a six-game road trip.
The Tigers have rediscovered their offensive spark in Phoenix, dominating the first two games with commanding scores of 13-0 and 8-3. Key players have risen to the occasion, significantly boosting the team’s performance.
Javier Baez’s Impact
Javier Baez has been a standout player, racking up seven hits, including four doubles, and driving in six runs in the first two games. His batting average has climbed to .207, surpassing .200 for the first time since Opening Day.
“It feels great to do that,” Baez shared in a postgame interview, expressing his relief and newfound confidence.
Wenceel Perez’s Contribution
On Saturday, Wenceel Perez was pivotal, driving in four runs, three of which came from a bases-clearing triple in the seventh inning that broke a 2-2 tie. His performance has been crucial to the Tigers’ offensive resurgence.
Diamondbacks’ Highlight: Ketel Marte
Despite the Diamondbacks’ struggles, Ketel Marte has been a bright spot, extending his hitting streak to 17 games with an RBI triple on Saturday, showcasing his consistent form.
Pitching Matchup: Jordan Montgomery vs. Matt Manning
Jordan Montgomery’s Return to Form
Left-hander Jordan Montgomery (2-2, 4.76 ERA) will start for the Diamondbacks. In his last outing, he gave up three runs on seven hits and three walks over 5 1/3 innings in a 6-5 win against the Cincinnati Reds. Though he didn’t get a decision, Montgomery showed promising signs by reintroducing a slider, a pitch he hasn’t used since 2017.
“I threw four to lefties, trying to sprinkle it in to give a little different look,” Montgomery explained. “It’s still a work in progress. But it’s good to get it out in the game.”
Matt Manning’s Opportunity
Right-hander Matt Manning (0-1, 4.37 ERA) will face Montgomery. Recalled from Triple-A Toledo, Manning gave up three runs and nine hits over 5 2/3 innings against the Miami Marlins in his last start. Though he didn’t secure a win, Manning struck out five and walked one, showing potential for more consistent performance.
“You can’t take any day in the big leagues for granted,” Manning said. “I’m looking forward to getting on a good schedule and more consistency as I get more reps.”
Future Road Ahead
The Tigers will continue their road trip with a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals starting Monday night, before returning home to face the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks will head to Los Angeles for a three-game series against the Dodgers in a crucial National League West division clash.
Conclusion
The Tigers’ resurgence in Arizona underscores the impact of key players like Javier Baez and Wenceel Perez. As they aim for a sweep against the Diamondbacks, their focus will be on maintaining this momentum. With promising pitching matchups and continued offensive power, the Tigers are set to carry this rejuvenation forward in their season. Fans can look forward to an exciting conclusion to this series and the Tigers’ ongoing road trip.
