Jarrod Saltalamacchia’s Walk-off Homer lifts Tigers past Royals

Jarrod Saltalamacchia #39 of the Detroit Tigers has water dumped on him by teammates Justin Upton #8 of the Detroit Tigers and Cameron Maybin #4 after his walk-off home run defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-2 in the ninth inning of a game at Comerica Park on July 17, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan.

(July 17, 2016 - Source: Duane Burleson/Getty Images North America)

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia hits a two-run walk-off homer to lift the Detroit Tigers (48-44) past the Kansas City Royals (46-45) 4-2.

Kansas City took an early lead in the second inning. RF Paulo Orlando reached on an infield single with two outs and 3B Cheslor Cuthbert drove him in with a double.

The Royals extended their lead to two runs in the top of the third inning. CF Jarrod Dyson drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by SS Alcides Escobar. 1B Eric Hosmer followed with a single and drove Jarrod Dyson home for the 2-0 lead.

Detroit halved the deficit in the bottom of the frame. With one out they loaded the bases with three straight singles from SS Jose Iglesias, 2B Ian Kinsler and CF Cameron Maybin. One out later, SP Yordano Ventura was called for a balk, bringing Jose Iglesias home for Detroit’s first run of the afternoon.

The Tigers tied the game in the sixth inning. 3B Nick Castellano hit a two-out triple and came home on a wild pitch from Yordano Ventura.

The Tigers completed their comeback with a walk-off home run in the ninth. RF Tyler Collins singled to lead off the frame and Jarrod Saltalamacchia launched a two-run homer to give Detroit a 4-2 win over the defending World Series Champions.

Yordano Ventura pitched 7 innings, allowing 8 hits, 1 walk and 2 earned runs while fanning 6. He posts a 4.97 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP on the year.

Detroit’s SP Michael Fulmer worked 8 innings, giving up 6 hits, 1 walk and 2 earned runs while striking out 5. He has an impressive 2.13 ERA and 1.07 WHIP this season.

“Salty” went 1-for-3 with 1 run, 1 HR and 2 RBI. He is batting .206 and has 22 runs, 9 HR and 27 RBI this year.