Riley Greene's Two Homers Lead Tigers To Victory Over Angels In Ninth Inning

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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The Detroit Tigers pulled off a stunning comeback victory against the Los Angeles Angels, fueled by a sensational performance from Riley Greene. His two powerful home runs in the ninth inning secured a dramatic win, showcasing his rising star power and leaving fans breathless. This article recaps the thrilling game, highlighting Greene's heroics and the key moments that led to the Tigers' triumph.

Riley Greene's Explosive Ninth Inning

First Homer: The Spark of the Comeback

Riley Greene's first home run ignited the Tigers' ninth-inning rally. Facing a 3-2 count with two outs and a runner on first, Greene connected with a 94 mph fastball, sending it soaring over the left-field wall.

• Pitch Type: Fastball
• Velocity: 94 mph
• Location: High and inside
• Distance: 420 feet
• Runners on Base: One
• Impact: The home run instantly changed the momentum of the game, cutting the Angels' lead and energizing the Tigers' dugout and the home crowd.

Second Homer: Sealing the Victory

With the Tigers trailing by one run in the bottom of the ninth, Greene stepped up to the plate again, this time with the bases empty. He crushed a hanging curveball, launching his second homer of the inning – a towering shot that cleared the center field fence.

• Pitch Type: Curveball
• Velocity: 82 mph
• Location: Low and outside
• Distance: 410 feet
• Runners on Base: None
• Final Score: Tigers 7, Angels 6
• Game's Ending: The second home run secured the victory for the Tigers, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

Greene's Overall Performance

Greene's performance wasn't limited to his two majestic home runs. He displayed a well-rounded game, contributing significantly to the Tigers' comeback.

• Overall Batting Average for the Game: .500 (2-for-4)
• Other Hits: One single.
• Outstanding Defensive Plays: Greene also made a spectacular diving catch in center field in the seventh inning.

The Tigers' Ninth-Inning Rally

The Tigers' ninth-inning rally was a testament to their resilience and determination. Before Greene's heroics, other players laid the groundwork for the comeback.

• Javier Báez's Leadoff Single: Báez started the inning with a crucial single, setting the stage for the following scoring opportunities.
• Jonathan Schoop's Walk: Schoop drew a key walk, putting runners on first and second.
• Spencer Torkelson's Sacrifice Bunt: Torkelson executed a successful sacrifice bunt, advancing the runners to second and third.
• Critical Defensive Plays: A key double play by the Tigers prevented a further Angels lead in the earlier innings.
• Pitching Changes: The Tigers' bullpen pitched effectively in the later innings, keeping the Angels at bay.

The Angels' Performance and Missed Opportunities

Despite their initial lead, the Angels missed several opportunities to secure the win. Their inability to capitalize on key moments contributed to their downfall.

• Notable Errors: A crucial error in the seventh inning extended the Tigers' offensive opportunity.
• Missed Opportunities for Scoring: The Angels left several runners stranded on base throughout the game.
• Key Strikeouts: The Angels' batters struck out at critical junctures, hindering their scoring attempts.
• Lack of Timely Hitting: They failed to deliver clutch hits when it mattered most.

Post-Game Reactions and Implications

The post-game atmosphere was electric, with players, coaches, and fans celebrating the remarkable victory.

• Quotes: Manager AJ Hinch praised Greene's performance, calling it "unbelievable" and "a game-changer." Greene himself expressed his gratitude to his teammates, stating, "It was a team effort, and I'm glad I could contribute."
• Impact on Standings: This win significantly boosted the Tigers' position in the AL Central standings.
• Importance for Team Morale: The dramatic victory is a significant boost for the team’s confidence and morale.
• Upcoming Games: The Tigers look forward to continuing their momentum in their upcoming games.

Conclusion

Riley Greene's two home runs in the ninth inning powered the Detroit Tigers to a thrilling victory over the Los Angeles Angels. His incredible performance, combined with the team's resilient comeback, created a memorable game that will be talked about for some time. This win not only showcases Greene's burgeoning star power but also demonstrates the Tigers’ potential for future success.

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