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Valencia Homers in First MLB Plate Appearance as Tigers Sweep A’s

The pinch-hit homer supplied late scoring that reinforced Detroit's pitching-led 4-1 victory.

Jul 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Patrick Sandoval (43) throws the ball against the Chicago White Sox during the fifth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Jul 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Atlanta Braves  right fielder Mike Yastrzemski (middle) greets catcher Joey Bart (16) crossing home plate on a two run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Jul 9, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge (3) follows through on an RBI single against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Citi Field. Benge wound up on third base after a Royals error on the play. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jul 9, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA;  Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches in the first inning against the Athletics at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Eduardo Valencia, who was called up from Triple-A Toledo Thursday, pinch-hit in the seventh and launched a Statcast-projected 425-foot homer in his first major-league plate appearance.
  • Starter Framber Valdez delivered seven strong innings, allowing one run on three hits and recording a season-high nine strikeouts to anchor the win.
  • Jake Rogers and Zach McKinstry provided earlier offense with homers that built a lead before Valencia’s swing.
  • Valencia was promoted to provide catching depth while Dillon Dingler recovers from a right-hand contusion, and relievers Kyle Finnegan and Kenley Jansen closed out the eighth and ninth with Jansen earning his 11th save.
  • The 4-1 victory completed a series sweep of Oakland, extended Detroit’s winning streak and moved the Tigers closer in the AL Central as their pitching and depth deliver a midseason boost.