Making his debut for the Texas Rangers, Michael Lorenzen delivered an impressive performance by pitching five scoreless innings, setting the tone for a narrow 1-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. 

Lorenzen, who previously represented the Tigers at the All-Star Game last season before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, showed his prowess by allowing just three hits and navigating around five walks against his former team. After signing a one-year free-agent deal late in spring training and spending time on the 15-day injured list due to a neck strain, Lorenzen made three rehab appearances at Triple-A Round Rock before being activated. 

Rangers’ right-hander Jose LeClerc contributed with two innings pitched and two strikeouts, while David Robertson and Kirby Yates closed out the team’s first shutout of the season, with Yates securing his first save. Detroit’s starter Reese Olson also delivered a solid performance, allowing just one run and striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings. 

The Tigers threatened early on with baserunners in the first inning, but Lorenzen managed to escape jams throughout the game. Texas took the lead in the fifth inning when Marcus Semien’s fielder’s choice grounder brought home Jonah Heim. Despite Detroit’s efforts to rally late in the game, the Rangers’ defense held firm, securing the narrow victory.