Tigers Secure Series Lead with 3-1 Victory Over Giants

Keider Montero delivered a stellar performance on the mound, pitching five scoreless innings as the Detroit Tigers defeated the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday. Riley Greene contributed significantly, driving in two crucial runs that propelled the Tigers to victory.

Montero, who entered the game with a 5.28 ERA across six appearances, showcased his skills by limiting the Giants to just one hit and two walks while striking out three batters. His efforts earned him a win, improving his record to 2-1.

Following Montero's exit, five relievers took the mound, with Will Vest closing the game in the ninth inning to secure his sixth save of the season.

On the other side, Hayden Birdsong suffered the loss for the Giants, allowing three runs on five hits and two walks over 4 1/3 innings, bringing his record to 2-1.

The Tigers struck first in the fourth inning when Dillon Dingler hit an RBI single, giving them a 1-0 lead. They extended their advantage in the fifth inning, loading the bases with one out. Greene then delivered a two-run single into center field, increasing the lead to 3-0. Reliever Erik Miller managed to limit further damage by intentionally walking Spencer Torkelson and inducing Zach McKinstry into an inning-ending double play.

Wilmer Flores responded for the Giants with an RBI single in the sixth, narrowing the score to 3-1. However, the Giants struggled to mount a comeback, failing to place a runner in scoring position during the final three innings.

In a heated moment during the fifth inning, Tigers center fielder Javier Báez was ejected after a contentious argument with the home-plate umpire regarding a called third strike that Statcast indicated was low. Teammate Gleyber Torres and third-base coach Joey Cora had to restrain Báez following his ejection.

The Tigers have now recorded an MLB-high 19 wins in 26 day games this season. The teams will continue their three-game series on Tuesday evening, with Detroit's right-hander Jack Flaherty (2-6, 4.39) set to face San Francisco's Logan Webb (5-4, 2.67).