Tigers Slug 4 Home Runs in Weather-Shortened Win Over Cardinals

Detroit's power surge and St. Louis' grand slam weren't enough to avoid the game being called after 8 1/3 innings.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:49am

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The Detroit Tigers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 11-6 in a game that was called after 8 1/3 innings due to inclement weather and poor field conditions. The Tigers hit four home runs, including two-run shots from Kerry Carpenter, Zach McKinstry, and Matt Vierling. Cardinals rookie Jordan Walker hit a grand slam, but it wasn't enough to overcome Detroit's offensive outburst.

Why it matters

The weather-shortened game highlighted the Tigers' power potential, with four home runs, while also showcasing the Cardinals' young talent in Walker's grand slam. The game was an early-season matchup between two teams looking to make noise in their respective divisions.

The details

Detroit jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on Carpenter's two-run homer. The Cardinals got one back in the third, but the Tigers extended their lead with McKinstry's two-run shot in the fourth. St. Louis then rallied for five runs in the fifth, capped by Walker's grand slam, to make it a one-run game. But the Tigers added insurance runs late to secure the victory.

  • The game was called after 8 1/3 innings due to inclement weather and poor field conditions.
  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The players

Kerry Carpenter

Detroit Tigers outfielder who hit a two-run homer in the first inning.

Zach McKinstry

Detroit Tigers infielder who hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

Matt Vierling

Detroit Tigers outfielder who hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning.

Jordan Walker

St. Louis Cardinals rookie who hit a grand slam in the fifth inning.

Jack Flaherty

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher who was charged with five runs in four-plus innings.

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What they’re saying

“We knew we had to come out swinging against a tough Cardinals team. Our guys did a great job of putting the ball in play and taking advantage of the conditions.”

— A.J. Hinch, Detroit Tigers Manager

What’s next

The Tigers and Cardinals will wrap up their three-game series on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

The takeaway

This game showcased the offensive firepower of both teams, with the Tigers' four home runs proving to be the difference. The weather-shortened contest also highlighted the importance of depth and resilience in a long MLB season.