Miguel Cabrera had a go-ahead RBI infield single as a pinch-hitter for Detroit right after previously unbeaten All-Star pitcher Kyle Gibson left with the bases loaded, and the Tigers went on to beat the Texas Rangers 5-3 on Wednesday.
Joey Gallo homered twice to become the first Rangers player ever with 10 homers in a 10-game stretch, and those solo shots combined went more than 900 feet. The All-Star right fielder, who has 23 homers overall, also had his fourth outfield assist of the season, and drove in the other Texas run when he drew his AL-best 67th walk with the bases loaded in the eighth.
Kyle Funkhouser (3-0) worked two scoreless innings after starter Casey Mize, the former No. 1 overall pick being limited by the Tigers, allowed the Gallo homers in his four innings. Gregory Soto got the last six outs for his seventh save in as many chances, including consecutive strikeouts after walking Gallo.
Jeimer Candelario hit a solo homer for Detroit.
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Three days after getting selected to his first All-Star team, Gibson (6-1) struck out seven but allowed eight hits and five runs over 6 1/3 innings. His ERA jumped from an AL-best 1.98 to 2.29. Former Rangers teammate Lance Lynn, also an All-Star, took over as the league’s ERA leader at 1.99 after six innings for the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday in a win at Minnesota.
The game was tied 2-2 with one out in the seventh when Gibson walked No. 9 batter Jake Rogers to load the bases. Cabrera then got career hit No. 2,924 on a ball that deflected off the glove of reliever Joely Rodriguez. Jonathan Schoop then blooped a single over first base for another run before Robbie Grossman, who had an RBI single in the first, walked with the bases still loaded.
Gallo pulled a 440-foot homer into the seats in right-center field in the second. He went even deeper two innings later, with a 462-foot shot that is the longest hit by a Rangers player in the stadium they moved into last season.
Texas Rangers - World Series Champions
UNBEATEN NO MORE
Gibson’s franchise record for a starting pitcher ended at 16 consecutive starts to open the season without a loss. It was the most runs he allowed since his first career opening day start April 1 at Kansas City, when he gave up five runs while getting only one out after Texas had scored five runs in the top of the first inning.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Tigers: CF Daz Cameron was placed on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Monday when he was scratched from the starting lineup before the series opener because of a sprained big right toe. RHP Spencer Turnbull (strained right forearm) was transferred to the 60-day IL after feeling more symptoms during his throwing program. INF/OF Niko Goodrum (left finger tendon) was reinstated from the 10-day IL.
Rangers: C Jose Trevino (right forearm bruise) won’t be activated before All-Star break, even though he is eligible to come off the 10-day IL as early as Friday. Manager Chris Woodward said Trevino is swinging the bat, but still isn’t close to 100%.
UP NEXT
Tigers: Lefty Tarik Skubal (5-7, 4.35 ERA) is set to start Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series at AL Central rival Minnesota.
Rangers: After a day off Thursday, right-hander Jordan Lyles (4-5, 4.98) is scheduled to start in a home series opener against Oakland. He threw 124 pitches Saturday in his previous start.
