Gipson-Long pitches effectively and Torkelson homers as the Tigers beat the Orioles 5-3

BALTIMORE (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered and Sawyer Gipson-Long pitched effectively out of the bullpen to help the Detroit Tigers beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-3 on Tuesday night.

Zach McKinstry hit two triples for the Tigers, who have won 11 of 15 and own the best record in the majors at 44-24. Detroit is 4-0 against the Orioles this season, outscoring them 22-9.

Making his second start of the season as an opener for the Tigers, Brant Hurter allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings. Chase Lee (3-0) got the last out in the third, and Gipson-Long entered in the fourth after Javier Báez hit an RBI single in the top half for a 2-1 lead.

Making his second appearance of the year after missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John and hip surgeries, Gipson-Long gave up one run and three hits with five strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings.

Gipson-Long began the 2024 season on the IL with a groin strain. After just one rehab start, he underwent elbow surgery that April, followed by left hip surgery in July.

The 27-year-old right-hander finally returned to the big leagues last week, but did not get a decision against the White Sox.

Detroit scored five runs off Cade Povich (1-5) in the first five innings. The big blow was Torkelson’s 16th homer, a drive to center with a man on that made it 5-1 in the fifth.

Will Vest worked the ninth and earned his 11th save despite allowing a solo homer to Jordan Westburg.

Key moment

Povich retired the first two batters in the fifth before Riley Greene doubled, Dillon Dingler hit an RBI single and Torkelson went deep,

Key stat

Detroit is 16-2 in its last 18 games against the AL East, its best mark since an 18-2 run against that division in 1973.

Up next

The series continues Wednesday night with Detroit RHP Casey Mize (6-1, 2.91 ERA) — who is 4-0 in seven starts since April 13 — going up against RHP Zach Eflin (5-2, 4.47 ERA).

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb