DETROIT (AP) \u2014 Kerry Carpenter, Zach McKinstry and Matt Vierling hit two-run homers and drove in three runs apiece, and the Detroit Tigers powered their way to an 11-6, rain-shortened victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.<\/p>\n
The game was called after 8 1\/3 innings following a 40-minute rain delay.<\/p>\n
Gleyber Torres added a solo shot for the Tigers, who had only two home runs in their first seven games.<\/p>\n
The game was delayed with one out in the ninth because of inclement weather. The field was deemed unplayable after the delay.<\/p>\n
Detroit starter Jack Flaherty was charged with five runs in four-plus innings. He allowed three hits and four walks and hit three other batters with pitches.<\/p>\n
Brant Hurter (1-0) picked up the win with one inning of scoreless relief.<\/p>\n
Jordan Walker had three hits, including a grand slam, and drove in five runs to carry St. Louis’ offense. Cardinals starter Dustin May (0-2) gave up seven runs and seven hits in 3 1\/3 innings.<\/p>\n
Carpenter’s home run capped the Tigers’ three-run first inning. McKinstry’s homer highlighted Detroit’s three-run fourth as the Tigers built a 7-1 lead.<\/p>\n
The Cardinals scored five runs in the fifth, topped off by Walker’s 459-foot blast to left-center field.<\/p>\n
McKinstry’s RBI single in the bottom of the inning gave Detroit an 8-6 lead. Torres led off the seventh with his opposite-field homer and Vierling homered with two out in the eighth.<\/p>\n
Up Next<\/p>\n
Justin Verlander (0-1, 12.27) was scheduled to make his first start at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform since Aug. 20, 2017, on Sunday night but he was placed on the 15-day injured list<\/a> on Saturday with left hip inflammation. RHP Keider Montero was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to take his spot in the rotation. Montero will be opposed by RHP Kyle Leahy (0-1, 7.20) in the finale of the three-game series.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n