Leody Taveras played a pivotal role in securing the Texas Rangers’ 9-7 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, contributing both the go-ahead run and an RBI single in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively. Taveras initiated the scoring sequence by doubling with one out, advancing to third on Marcis Semien’s fielder’s choice, and ultimately crossing home plate to break the 7-7 deadlock.
Tigers manager A. J. Hinch acknowledged Taveras’ exceptional play, describing it as a remarkable baseball athletic maneuver. The win was credited to Jose Leclerc, while Kirby Yates secured his second save. On the opposing side, Shelby Miller suffered the loss for the Tigers for the second consecutive day.
The game marked the major league debut of Texas starter Jack Leiter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, who pitched for Triple-A Round Rock before his call-up. Despite encountering some difficulties, Leiter showed promise, earning praise from Texas manager Bruce Bochy for his resilience. Leiter, the son of former major leaguer Al Leiter, began his outing with a strikeout and showcased glimpses of his potential throughout the game.
The Rangers took an early lead thanks to Semien’s leadoff homer and extended their advantage with runs in the second and third innings, including a home run by Jonah Heim. However, the Tigers responded with a four-run outburst in the bottom of the second inning, fueled by RBI hits from Javier Baez, Carson Kelly, and Riley Greene. Adolis Garcia’s home run and Semien’s additional run helped Texas reclaim the lead, while Detroit rallied to tie the game in the fourth inning.
The contest saw Bochy’s ejection in the eighth inning following a dispute over a fair or foul call, adding to the drama of the matchup. Leiter’s debut ended in the fourth inning after allowing seven earned runs on eight hits, a performance he acknowledged as a surreal experience but one he aims to improve upon. To accommodate Leiter’s call-up, the Rangers optioned pitcher Grant Anderson to Round Rock.
In other news, the Rangers transferred LHP Brock Burke to the 60-day injured list due to a broken right hand, with his eligibility for return set for June 12 following surgery.
Leiter described his major league debut as “a surreal experience,” emphasizing that it’s a moment he has dreamed about since childhood.
“It’s something you dream about since you were a little kid. Being around the game always, it’s a special day. I know I’m better and I need to be better, and I will be better. And that’s kind of the frustration is some pitches that I left on the table and some mistakes that I made,” he said.