Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle hits tiebreaking, 2-run single in 5-2 win against Padres

Kenley Jansen records 477th career save in Tigers debut

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:48am

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Rookie Kevin McGonigle hit a tiebreaking, two-run single with the bases loaded and two outs in the eighth inning to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 5-2 win against the San Diego Padres on Friday night. Kenley Jansen struck out the side in the ninth on 11 pitches in his Tigers debut for his 477th career save, which leads all active pitchers and is fourth all-time.

Why it matters

McGonigle's heroics continue his impressive start to the season, as the 21-year-old infielder made the Tigers' major league roster after a strong spring training, skipping Triple-A entirely. Jansen's save also marks a significant milestone in the veteran closer's storied career.

The details

The 21-year-old McGonigle, who was robbed of his first home run by center fielder Jackson Merrill in the second, worked a 10-pitch at-bat against Wandy Peralta in a lefty-on-lefty matchup that culminated with a single to right field that brought in Gleyber Torres and Colt Keith for a 4-2 lead. McGonigle had a brilliant debut on Thursday, hitting the first big league pitch he saw for a bases-loaded, two-run double and finishing 4-for-5 with two RBI and two runs scored in an 8-2 win.

  • On Friday night, McGonigle hit the tiebreaking, two-run single in the eighth inning.
  • Jansen recorded his 477th career save in the ninth inning, which is the most among active pitchers and fourth all-time.

The players

Kevin McGonigle

A 21-year-old rookie infielder for the Detroit Tigers who has made an impressive start to his major league career, skipping Triple-A and making the Tigers' roster after a strong spring training.

Kenley Jansen

A veteran closer who made his debut with the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, recording his 477th career save, the most among active pitchers and fourth all-time.

Jackson Merrill

The San Diego Padres' center fielder who robbed McGonigle of a home run in the second inning with a sensational leaping catch.

Framber Valdez

The longtime Houston Astros ace who made his debut with the Detroit Tigers, allowing two runs (one earned) and seven hits in six innings while striking out five and walking one.

Enmanuel De Jesus

The Detroit Tigers pitcher who got the win in relief.

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What’s next

The Tigers and Padres will play the series finale on Saturday night, with Tigers RHP Jack Flaherty and Padres RHP Randy Vásquez set to start. Both teams have Sunday off.

The takeaway

McGonigle's heroics and Jansen's milestone save highlight the Tigers' impressive start to the season, as the team's young talent and veteran additions have them off to a strong beginning in 2026.