DETROIT, MI (7-9-26) — Framber Valdez (#59) delivered one of his finest performances of the season, striking out nine batters over seven dominant innings, while rookie Eduardo Valencia (#32) made an unforgettable Major League debut by homering in his first career at-bat as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Oakland Athletics, 4-1, Thursday night at Comerica Park.

Valdez improved to 5-6 on the season after allowing just three hits, one earned run, and no walks over seven innings. The veteran left-hander threw 87 pitches, including 59 strikes, and consistently kept Oakland hitters off balance with a mix of overpowering fastballs and sharp breaking pitches.

Detroit’s offense didn’t produce many hits, but it certainly made them count.

The Tigers broke a scoreless tie in the third inning when Jake Rogers (#34) launched a 363-foot solo home run to left field, his third homer of the season, giving Detroit a 1-0 lead.

Oakland answered in the top of the fifth. After Jacob Wilson reached and advanced into scoring position, Henry Bolte drove in the Athletics’ lone run on a fielder’s choice, tying the game at one.

Detroit wasted little time reclaiming the lead.

With Kerry Carpenter (#30) aboard after drawing a walk, Zach McKinstry (#39) crushed a 399-foot home run to right-center field in the bottom of the fifth inning. The two-run blast, McKinstry’s fourth of the season, gave the Tigers a 3-1 advantage.

The night’s signature moment came two innings later.

Making his first Major League plate appearance after entering as the designated hitter, rookie Eduardo Valencia (#32) stepped into the batter’s box and immediately etched his name into Tigers history. Valencia connected on the first pitch he saw, sending a towering 425-foot home run to center field for his first Major League hit and home run, extending Detroit’s lead to 4-1.

The rookie was greeted with an enthusiastic ovation from the Comerica Park crowd as teammates celebrated the memorable milestone in the dugout.

Detroit finished with six hits, three of which left the ballpark. McKinstry drove in two runs, while Rogers and Valencia each added an RBI.

The Tigers’ bullpen preserved the victory with another strong effort. Kyle Finnegan (#31) retired the side in the eighth inning to earn his 11th hold before Kenley Jansen (#74) closed the door in the ninth, recording his 11th save of the season.

Oakland starter J.T. Perkins (2-5) was charged with the loss after allowing three earned runs over three innings. The Athletics managed just five hits and were held to 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Defensively, Detroit also turned a key double play started by Kevin McGonigle (#7), with Hao-Yu Lee (#50) and Spencer Torkelson (#20) completing the twin killing behind Valdez.

With the victory, Detroit continued its winning homestand and will welcome the Philadelphia Phillies to Comerica Park for an interleague series. La Prensa Latina News Wire will be on hand providing continuing coverage throughout the weekend.