Stewart’s 1st slam seals win
DETROIT — This was the type of win that Tigers fans can be encouraged by — not only did the home team rally in the late innings, but one of its top young players delivered the key home run.
Christin Stewart hit a two-out grand slam in the seventh inning, lifting the Tigers to a 7-4 victory over the Royals on Saturday. The Tigers trailed 4-2 in the seventh but rallied against the Royals’ struggling bullpen.
Kevin McCarthy (0-1) allowed three hits and a hit batter. The only out on his watch came with the score 4-3, when Alex Gordon threw Josh Harrison out at the plate. The Tigers eventually loaded the bases with two out, and Stewart hit a drive down the line in right field off Wily Peralta.
“I love the kid. I said he can hit. I said he’s going to be a power hitter,” Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire said. “He’s going to have his ups and downs. He’s going to chase. He’s going to have some bad at-bats, but it’s a growing experience for him.”
Stewart is hitting just .143, but this was the second home run of the season for the rookie outfielder. His other one was also big — a 10th-inning shot against the Blue Jays that provided all the scoring in a 2-0 road victory in the season opener.
“Won both games, that’s the biggest thing,” Stewart said. “I’m just thankful I was able to be a part to help us.”
After the game, Stewart got the grand slam ball back, giving a fan a signed bat in exchange.
The Tigers have won four straight, and the Royals have dropped five in a row.