Tigers defeat Royals 4-3 on late rally, Dingler RBI double

The Detroit Tigers used a late offensive surge to defeat the Kansas City Royals 4-3 in the series opener at Comerica Park on Thursday, July 23, 2026. The win was sealed by a go-ahead, two-out RBI double from catcher Dillon Dingler in the eighth inning.

The game was a tight contest between American League Central rivals, featuring multiple lead changes. Kansas City struck first when left fielder Isaac Collins hit a two-run homer off Tigers starter Troy Melton in the sixth inning. Royals starter Randy Dobnak delivered a strong performance, pitching five scoreless innings in his second start since being acquired from Seattle last month.

Detroit's offense came alive in the seventh inning against the Royals' bullpen. After Dingler and Kerry Carpenter reached on consecutive singles, outfielder James Outman hit a three-run home run off reliever John Schreiber to give the Tigers a 3-2 lead. Kansas City responded in the top of the eighth, tying the game on an RBI single from Josh Rojas. The deadlock was short-lived, however, as Dingler delivered his clutch double off reliever Steven Cruz in the bottom half of the inning, scoring the decisive run. Royals star Salvador Perez grounded into...