Kenley Jansen recorded his 479th career save, surpassing Lee Smith to claim third place on the all-time saves leaderboard, as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night. Jansen faced some challenges in the ninth but managed to secure the win, marking his third save of the season. The Tigers rallied in the eighth inning, with Zach McKinstry scoring on a wild pitch and Dillon Dingler delivering a key RBI double. Starting pitcher Framber Valdez showcased strong performance for the Tigers, allowing only three hits in seven innings, while Royals pitcher Cole Ragans limited the Tigers to one hit over six innings. The game was notable for the early exit of Royals left fielder Isaac Collins due to a knee injury.
Why It Matters
This win highlights the Tigers’ current momentum, marking their fourth consecutive victory, which is crucial for their standing in the competitive American League. Kenley Jansen’s achievement in moving up the saves leaderboard underscores his longevity and effectiveness as a closer, as he now sits behind only Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman in career saves. The Tigers’ offensive resurgence in the late innings exemplifies their resilience, which could be vital as they aim for a successful season. The injury to Collins may also impact the Royals’ lineup, potentially affecting their performance in upcoming games.
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