Detroit’s rookie sensation delivered a ninth-inning miracle at Comerica Park, capping an emotional tribute to the legendary ace with a towering blast that stunned the Pirates.
The Detroit Tigers had one more comeback in them Saturday afternoon, and Eduardo Valencia made sure Justin Verlander's final major league start ended with a win for the team.
Valencia connected on a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to give Detroit a 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park. The Tigers scored three runs in their final at-bat, turning what appeared to be a loss on an emotional afternoon into their second consecutive victory over Pittsburgh.
The Tigers entered the ninth trailing 3-1 after Pittsburgh added an insurance run in the eighth on Bryan Reynolds' RBI triple. With Pirates reliever Mason Montgomery on the mound, Detroit began putting together a rally.
Kevin McGonigle brought home a run on an RBI groundout, cutting Pittsburgh's lead to 3-2. That brought Valencia to the plate with an opportunity to complete the comeback.
Valencia delivered with a two-run homer that ended the game and sent the Tigers onto the field to celebrate. Montgomery was charged with the loss, while Jacob Waguespack earned the victory after pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
For Valencia, the home run provided another memorable moment in a rookie season in which he has established himself as an important part of Detroit's lineup. His offensive production has been one of the encouraging developments for the Tigers as they continue evaluating their younger players heading into 2027.
Verlander had returned to the Comerica Park mound for his final career appearance, giving Detroit 5 1/3 innings while allowing two runs on five hits. The Tigers trailed 2-0 when he departed, with both Pittsburgh runs coming on solo home runs.
Javier Báez eventually got Detroit on the board with an RBI double in the sixth inning, but the Tigers continued to trail until their final opportunity.
Despite being eliminated from postseason contention, Detroit has continued playing competitive baseball during the final week of the regular season. Friday's 8-7 victory featured another strong outing from Jackson Jobe and a three-hit performance from Spencer Torkelson, who finished a single shy of the cycle. Saturday's victory offered another example of the younger players contributing to the team's offense.
Valencia's home run also gave fans another opportunity to celebrate on an afternoon already dedicated to one of the most accomplished players in franchise history.
Verlander finished his career with 266 victories, three Cy Young Awards, an American League MVP award and three no-hitters. His final appearance brought him back to the organization where his major league career began in 2005.
For Detroit, Saturday's victory was another opportunity to evaluate the players who will be part of the organization's future. Valencia's home run provided another reminder of the offensive ability he has shown since reaching the major leagues.
The Tigers will conclude their regular season Sunday against Pittsburgh, with River Ryan scheduled to face Jared Jones.
