Keider Montero throws a quality start as Tigers draws even with Texas

Keider Montero throws a quality start as Tigers draws even with Texas

On a cold, May night, which sounds strange to say in the first place, the Tigers bats warmed up quickly behind six strong innings from Keider Montero as Detroit won 5-1. They improved to 17-17 on the season and 11-3 at home, which is the best home record in baseball.

Detroit wasted little time providing support. In the first inning, Dillon Dingler delivered the key swing, launching a three-run home run to left field to give the Tigers an early cushion. The rally started with traffic on the bases and a defensive miscue, but Dingler’s sixth home run of the season made it count, putting Detroit ahead 3-0 before Keider Montero even settled into his rhythm.

That early lead allowed Montero to work aggressively. The right-hander leaned on his fastball command and induced weak contact throughout his outing. He worked six innings, allowing one run on a solo home run while scattering hits and working around a pair of walks. The Tigers needed it as "pitching chaos" aka another bullpen start, will happen on Sunday Night Baseball.

Montero’s night was defined by efficiency. Through the first three innings, he attacked the zone and kept Texas off balance, forcing early contact. In the third inning, he navigated traffic after issuing two walks but escaped without damage, a sequence that helped maintain Detroit’s momentum and kept the game firmly in control.

Texas’ only breakthrough came in the fourth inning when Jake Burger connected for a solo home run to left, trimming the deficit to 5-1. Montero responded by settling back in, retiring seven of the next eight hitters he faced. He also benefited from clean defense behind him, including a double play in the fifth inning that erased a potential rally.

Offensively, Detroit continued to add on in the second inning. Kevin McGonigle singled home a run and later scored on a base hit from , extending the lead to 5-0. McGonigle also added a stolen base, continuing his productive stretch at the top of the lineup.