Mar 24, 2021; Lakeland, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers players celebrate on the field after defeating the Philadelphia Phillies during spring training at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
In a thrilling game at Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers pulled off a ‘great comeback’ to stun the Los Angeles Dodgers, winning 11-9 in a dramatic 10th inning. The Tigers, who trailed 9-4 entering the bottom of the ninth, managed to score five runs to tie the game, setting the stage for Gio Urshela’s walk-off two-run homer in the 10th inning.
Early Game Action
In the first inning, Shohei Ohtani tripled and scored on Freddie Freeman’s groundout to give the Dodgers an early lead in the game. But Detroit answered with two runs in the second inning thanks to a two-run double by Colt Keith and a mistake by Dodgers hitter Enrique Hernandez. However, Chris Taylor’s bases-loaded walk in the third inning gave the Dodgers the tie.
Ohtani Shines and Dodgers Build Lead
Ohtani continued his outstanding performance by hitting his 200th career home run in the fifth inning, giving the Dodgers a 3-2 lead. Moreover, Gavin Lux extended the lead with a two-run single, and the Dodgers appeared to be in control with an 8-4 lead after Hernandez’s two-run homer in the seventh and Freeman’s sacrifice fly in the eighth.
Tigers’ Ninth-Inning Rally
Detroit’s ninth-inning rally began with Ricky Vanasco failing to retire any of the three batters he faced. Dodgers’ closer Evan Phillips managed to get two outs but allowed an RBI single to Carson Kelly and a game-tying homer to Colt Keith.
Dramatic 10th Inning
In the top of the 10th, Will Vest managed to escape a bases-loaded jam by inducing a double play from Freeman. In the bottom of the inning, Wenceel Perez’s bunt moved Ryan Vilade to third. The Dodgers opted for a five-man infield, but Urshela’s home run off Yohan Ramirez ended the game in spectacular fashion.
Post-Game Reactions
Urshela praised his teammates for their determination, highlighting the efforts of Colt Keith, who was crucial in the ninth-inning rally.
“What a game! The whole team, fighting all game,” Detroit Tigers’ Urshela said during his on-field postgame interview on Bally Sports: “It’s a great comeback for us.”
The victory marked one of the most memorable comebacks for the Tigers, demonstrating their determination and fighting spirit.
