Tigers Rookie McGonigle Delivers Game-Winning Hit After HR Robbery

Rookie's late-inning heroics lift Detroit over San Diego in season opener.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:33am

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Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle, MLB's No. 2 preseason prospect, collected his first game-winning hit after his first career home run was robbed by Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill in the early innings. McGonigle responded by delivering a go-ahead, two-run single in the eighth inning to lift the Tigers to a 5-2 victory over the Padres.

Why it matters

The Tigers are hoping McGonigle, a highly touted young slugger, can provide an early spark to their lineup as the team looks to build on last season's success. The ability to bounce back from adversity and deliver in a clutch situation is an encouraging sign for the rookie's development.

The details

In the third inning, Merrill leaped above the center-field wall to snare a line drive from McGonigle that would have been the rookie's first career home run. Merrill then rubbed it in by holding up four fingers, signifying his 4-for-5 performance in McGonigle's MLB debut the previous day. But McGonigle got the last laugh, delivering a go-ahead, two-run single in the eighth inning to lift the Tigers to victory.

  • In the third inning, Merrill robbed McGonigle of his first career home run.
  • In the eighth inning, McGonigle delivered a go-ahead, two-run single to put the Tigers ahead for good.

The players

Kevin McGonigle

A highly touted Detroit Tigers rookie who is MLB's No. 2 preseason prospect.

Jackson Merrill

The San Diego Padres center fielder who robbed McGonigle of his first career home run.

Colt Keith

A Detroit Tigers player who scored on McGonigle's go-ahead single in the eighth inning.

Gleyber Torres

A Detroit Tigers player who scored on McGonigle's go-ahead single in the eighth inning.

Dillon Dingler

The Detroit Tigers catcher who followed McGonigle's go-ahead hit with an RBI single.

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What they’re saying

“A half-inning earlier Friday at Petco Park, the San Diego Padres center fielder robbed McGonigle of his first career home run. Merrill rose above the center-field wall to snare the line drive. After doubling to lead off the third inning, Merrill exchanged pleasantries with his defensive victim.”

— Jackson Merrill, San Diego Padres Center Fielder

What’s next

The Tigers and Padres will continue their series on Saturday, with the Tigers looking to build on their strong start to the season.

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience and talent of Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle, who bounced back from having his first career home run stolen to deliver the game-winning hit, providing an early glimpse of why he is considered one of baseball's top prospects.