TAMPA, FL – Spring Training Opener: Yankees Overpower Tigers
The Detroit Tigers faced a tough start to their 2026 Grapefruit League campaign, falling to the New York Yankees 20-3 on Saturday at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Yankees’ explosive performance, highlighted by a nine-run eighth inning, left the Tigers at 0-1 in spring training play.
Aaron Judge Steals the Show
Aaron Judge reminded everyone why he’s a three-time AL MVP, showcasing his power with two towering home runs. Judge’s first blast came in the third inning, a 420-foot shot off a cutter from Burch Smith, pushing the Yankees ahead 5-2.
He followed up with a 395-foot homer in the fourth, crushing an up-and-in fastball from Ricky Vanasco to extend the lead to 8-2. With a .311 average and over 52 homers per season from 2022-25, Judge’s performance was a familiar sight for Yankees fans.
Pitching Struggles for Tigers
Keider Montero took the mound for the Tigers, allowing three runs over two innings. While his velocity was up, averaging 96.3 mph on his fastball, control issues led to costly mistakes. Paul Goldschmidt capitalized with a two-run single, and Spencer Jones launched a solo homer, showcasing the challenges Montero faced despite promising velocity metrics.
Tigers’ Highlights at the Plate
Corey Julks provided a spark with a solo homer in the third inning, the first of spring training for the Tigers. Facing Carlos Lagrange, the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect, Julks took a changeup deep over the left-field wall. Lagrange, despite allowing two runs, impressed with a fastball touching 102.4 mph.
Top prospect Kevin McGonigle made his presence felt early, singling off a 100.5 mph fastball and later scoring on a wild pitch. Max Clark, another top prospect, showcased his speed by legging out an infield single despite minimal contact.
Pitching Woes Continue
The Tigers’ bullpen struggled to contain the Yankees’ offense. Following Montero, Burch Smith and Ricky Vanasco each surrendered home runs to Judge.
Drew Sommers managed a scoreless fifth, aided by catcher Thayron Liranzo’s defensive gem. However, subsequent relievers couldn’t stem the tide.
Jack Little, Cole Waites, Matt Seelinger, and Woo-Suk Go all faced challenges, with the Yankees piling on runs, including a grand slam by Roderick Arias.
The Yankees amassed 18 hits and 11 walks, exploiting the Tigers’ pitching staff’s lack of control. Seelinger’s struggles were particularly notable, throwing only eight strikes in 24 pitches and being charged with five runs.
Standout Performances
- Corey Julks
- Kevin McGonigle
- Thayron Liranzo
Looking Ahead
The Tigers will look to bounce back against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday in Lakeland. The game kicks off at 1:05 p.m., with radio coverage on WXYT-FM 97.1.
