Detroit Tigers Dillion Dingler (above) celebrates his two run home with a big hug to Zach McKinstry (39) in the top of the second inning at Oracle Park in San Francisco against the San Francisco Giants on Sun Aug 11, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Detroit Tigers (56-63) salvaged the three-game series versus the San Francisco Giants (61-59), with a 5-4 victory on an overcast Star Wars Day.

The Tigers pounced upon the Giants right away, with a solo homer from leadoff designated hitter Matt Vierling. After a half inning, the Tigers led 1-0. However, the Giants had an immediate response in their bottom frame.

San Francisco scored during their first at bats on a two rbi single by third baseman Matt Chapman. He knocked in shortstopTyler Fitzgerald and Lamonte Wade Jr.. After an exciting first inning, the Giants led 2-1.

Detroit was right at it again in the top of the 2nd inning, scoring two more runs on another home run. Catcher Dillon Dingler hit his first “Dinger” of his career, plating shortstop Zach McKinstry, as well as himself. After two full innings, the Tigers led 3-2.

That lead lasted until the top of the fifth, when the MoTown Felines extended the advantage to 3 runs. Veiling reared his head again, this time with an RBI double, scoring Dingler. Next, second baseman Colt Keith hit an RBI single to right field, resulting in the aforementioned Vierling to cross the plate, for the Tigers’ fifth and final run. Detroit led 5-2 after 5 innings. Could they hold on to the lead, avoiding the Sweep in San Francisco?

Bottom of the 6th, the Giants made an attempt to cut into the lead and possibly eak out a come from behind win. Chapman belted an RBI single, knocking in Michael Conforto. Later, Jerar Encarnacionhit hit an RBI double, scoring Chapman. After six innings, 5-4 Tigers.

The Giants had an excellent chance to either tie or win the game in the bottom of the 8th inning. After Chapman opened the inning with a triple, they were poised to tie it up on a hit or sacrifice. Unfortunately, Chapman and Mark Canha were thrown out on back to back rundowns. Next, Encarnacion grounded out to Third, and a seemingly promising inning turned feeble, with 0 runs to account for. Still 5-4 going into the ninth inning.

The final inning was just a formality, as the Tigers kept their claws onto the 5-4 lead, while taking down the Giants with ease in the bottom of the 9th, only allowing a walk, while RHP Will Vest closed the game. The Detroit Tigers won 5-4!

The Tigers have Monday August 12 off, before they host Seattle the following day at 6:40 PM EST, with LHP Tarik Skubal (13-4, 2.57) on the mond versus TBD for the Mariners. The Giants host the Atlanta Braves 8/12 at 6:45 PM PDT with LHP Chris Sale (13-3, 2.75) vs. LHP Blake Snell (2-3, 4.31).