Rogers, Torkelson hit homers as Tigers cruise past Athletics

DETROIT — Jake Rogers and Spencer Torkelson each homered as the Detroit Tigers secured their fourth straight victory, defeating the Oakland Athletics 6-1 on Wednesday night. Troy Melton (5-1) earned the win, allowing one unearned run on four hits and a walk while striking out nine over 5 ⅓ innings. The victory marked the Tigers’ seventh win in their last eight games. Jeffrey Springs (3-9) absorbed the loss for Oakland, surrendering six runs in 4 ⅓ innings and dropping to 0-9 in his past 15 starts. The Athletics announced they will relocate to Las Vegas beginning in 2028, where they will play in a new ballpark under construction on the Strip. Both teams lost an All-Star caliber player in the second inning. Oakland first baseman Nick Kurtz departed the game due to illness, while Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler was removed after being struck on his throwing hand by a foul tip. Detroit seized an early advantage, loading the bases with one out in the first inning. Riley Greene drove in the opening run with an RBI single before Springs retired the next two batters. The Tigers extended their lead in the second frame. Rogers, hitting for Dingler, launched his second home run of the season to make it 3-0. Oakland got on the board in the fourth when Tyler Soderstrom scored on a throwing error by Zach McKinstry. Torkelson answered in the fifth with his 15th homer of the year, pushing Detroit’s lead to 6-1. Looking ahead, Detroit left‑hander Framber Valdez (4-6, 4.29) is slated to oppose right‑hander Jack Perkins (2-4, 6.75) in Thursday night’s series finale.