Tigers Rally Late With Two-Run Ninth to Edge Angels 2-1

Late Rally Sees Detroit Overcome Early Deficit

The Detroit Tigers overcame an early deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The win improved Detroit’s record to 45-52, while the Angels fell to 38-60.

Los Angeles took the lead in the top of the first inning. With the score tied, Lowe grounded out to second base. The play allowed Neto to score from first, giving the Angels a 1-0 advantage. Soler advanced to second, and Schanuel moved to third during the sequence.

Detroit’s offense remained quiet for most of the game, but they managed to tie the contest late. In the bottom of the ninth inning, with the score still 1-0, Lee doubled to center field. The hit drove in Greene and Outman, providing the Tigers with a 2-1 lead. An umpire review confirmed the call on the field was upheld, solidifying the two-run rally.

Pitching Performances Define Close Contest

Detroit’s pitching staff worked to limit Angels’ scoring opportunities after the early deficit. Troy Melton started for the Tigers, pitching 5.2 innings. He allowed four hits and one earned run while striking out nine batters and walking four.

Keider Montero entered the game in relief, pitching 3.1 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and struck out five batters without issuing a walk. Montero earned the win, improving his record to 6-5.

For Los Angeles, Reid Detmers started on the mound, delivering a strong outing. He pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four hits and no earned runs. Detmers struck out seven batters and did not walk any hitters.

Ryan Zeferjahn and Sam Bachman provided relief for the Angels. Zeferjahn pitched one scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Bachman also pitched one scoreless inning, striking out three batters. Both pitchers were credited with holds, bringing their totals to 7 and 14, respectively.

Kirby Yates entered in the ninth inning but struggled. He allowed two earned runs on one hit and one walk in 0.2 innings, taking the loss and dropping his record to 0-5. Yates also recorded his 30th save earlier in the season, though he did not secure a save in this game.

Samy Natera Jr. closed out the game, pitching 0.1 scoreless innings with no hits, runs, walks, or strikeouts.

Game Details and Attendance

The game drew an attendance of 29,536 fans to Angel Stadium. No home runs were recorded in the contest.

The final score stood at Detroit Tigers 2, Los Angeles Angels 1. The Tigers’ late offensive surge proved sufficient to secure the win. Detroit’s record improved to 45-52, while Los Angeles dropped to 38-60.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816152