Guardians' Andres Gimenez has big day, but Tigers win second game to earn split

CLEVELAND — Jonathan Schoop and rookie Kerry Carpenter hit back-to-back homers in the sixth inning, and the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 7-5 win over the Guardians in the second game of a doubleheader on Monday night, snapping an eight-game losing streak.

All-Star Andrés Giménez belted a go-ahead, three-run homer in the seventh inning of the opener, a 4-1 win for the AL Central Division-leading Guardians. Giménez added a two-run homer in the nightcap, finishing with four hits and five RBIs in the doubleheader.

The Guardians are 8-2 since Aug. 6. The Tigers have lost 11 of their past 13 and are 3-14 since July 30.

Schoop gave the Tigers a 4-3 lead in the second game when he launched a change-up from Eli Morgan (4-3) over the wall in left field. Carpenter followed with his first homer in the majors, giving him 31 on the season between Detroit, Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie. He went 3 for 4 and with three runs scored.

Tigers starter Bryan Garcia (1-0) surrendered three runs in six innings, including homers to Giménez and Luke Maile. Gregory Soto allowed one run in the ninth but picked up his 21st save.

Tucker Barnhart and Victor Reyes each had three hits and drove in two runs for the Tigers.

Right-hander Xzavion Curry became the 14th player to make his big-league debut for the Guardians in 2022. A Georgia State product, Curry lasted five innings and allowed three runs.

In the opener, Giménez homered off Andrew Chafin with two outs in the seventh, scoring Myles Straw and Amed Rosario to break a 1-all tie. Tigers reliever Will Vest (3-3) was charged with two runs and the loss.

“I just tried to stay focused and get a good pitch to hit,” Giménez said. “I recognized the slider soon enough.”

James Karinchak (1-0) worked a scoreless seventh and Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect ninth for his 27th save. The Guardians did not allow a hit after the third.

“Everybody pitched good and it was a good day to pitch,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “There were some balls hit on both sides that were pretty good, but didn’t leave the ballpark because of the wind.”

Guardians right-hander Aaron Civale struck out a season-high 10 batters in six innings, allowing one run in his second start since returning from a sprained right wrist.

“If the starters keep the game close, there is no thought about not winning the game,” Civale said. “And it’s been like that for a while.”

Right-hander Drew Hutchison worked 5⅓ innings for the Tigers, giving up one run and seven hits.

The doubleheader was caused by the postponement of a July 17 game because of rain.

The Guardians have played an MLB-high 10 doubleheaders, their most in a season since 1985. The Tigers have the second-most twinbills with eight.

Trainer's room

Tigers: Outfielder Austin Meadows (bilateral Achilles strain) will play back-to-back games for Triple-A Toledo when it resumes play Tuesday. Meadows, who has been on the injured list since June 17, batted .188 in his first four games with the Mud Hens.

Guardians: Right-hander James Karinchak (restricted list) was activated after being unable to travel to Toronto because he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19. The set-up man was the only Guardians player unable to compete against the Blue Jays. ... First baseman Josh Naylor (right ankle soreness) exited the second game after fielding a sharp grounder in the third inning. It is the same ankle that he fractured, dislocated and tore ligaments in a horrific outfield collision at Minnesota on June 27, 2021.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians split doubleheader with Detroit Tigers