By Larry Arreguin| LPL News Wire| May 19, 2026

DETROIT, MI (5-19-26) — Despite outhitting Cleveland 7-4 and receiving another big swing from Spencer Torkelson (#20), the Detroit Tigers dropped a frustrating 4-3 decision to the Cleveland Guardians Tuesday night at Comerica Park in front of 21,239 fans.

Detroit appeared poised to continue its momentum early after left fielder Riley Greene (#31) ignited the offense in the second inning. Greene reached base and came around to score when Torkelson launched a towering two-run homer 380 feet to left-center field, giving the Tigers a 2-1 advantage. The blast was Torkelson’s seventh home run of the season and added to his team-leading RBI total, now sitting at 19.

The Tigers battled throughout the evening despite striking out 13 times against Cleveland pitching. Greene once again proved to be Detroit’s spark plug, finishing 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a walk while consistently putting pressure on the Guardians defense.

Detroit starter Keider Montero (#54) kept the Tigers in the game with a solid five-inning effort, allowing just two hits and three earned runs while striking out one. His biggest mistake came in the fourth inning when Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana (#37) connected on a two-run homer that temporarily swung momentum back toward the visitors.

The Tigers answered quickly in the bottom half of the fourth. Greene aggressively advanced on a pickoff attempt and eventually scored after a throwing error by Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (#27), tying the game at 3-3 and energizing the Comerica Park crowd.

However, Detroit could not capitalize on several late scoring opportunities. The Tigers stranded 10 runners on base and went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, a statistic that ultimately proved costly.

Cleveland finally broke through in the seventh inning when shortstop Brayan Rocchio (#4) grounded out to bring home Steven Kwan (#38) with the eventual game-winning run off Tigers reliever Tyler Holton (#87).

Detroit threatened late, collecting two hits in the ninth inning against Guardians closer Cade Smith (#36), but Cleveland escaped to secure Smith’s 15th save of the season.

Jahmai Jones (#18), Matt Vierling (#8), Hao-Yu Lee (#50), and Wenceel Perez (#46) each contributed hits for Detroit, but the Tigers were unable to deliver the timely hit needed to even the series.

The Tigers will look to bounce back tomorrow as they continue their homestand at Comerica Park against the Guardians.