Cardinals' 4-run 5th denies Tigers 3-game sweep

Ivan Herrera's two-run single caps big inning as St. Louis avoids sweep in Detroit

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:55am

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The St. Louis Cardinals scored four runs in the fifth inning to rally past the Detroit Tigers 5-3 on Sunday and avoid a three-game sweep. Ivan Herrera's two-run single capped the big inning for the Cardinals, who trailed 2-0 before the outburst. Kerry Carpenter hit a two-run homer for the Tigers, who were trying to complete the sweep after Justin Verlander was placed on the injured list.

Why it matters

The Cardinals' comeback win prevented the Tigers from completing a three-game sweep at home, an important result as both teams look to contend in their respective divisions this season. The game also featured the return of veteran pitcher Justin Verlander, who was making his first start at Comerica Park in a Tigers uniform since 2017 before being placed on the IL.

The details

The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the third inning on Kerry Carpenter's two-run homer off Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy. But St. Louis rallied with a four-run fifth, capped by Ivan Herrera's two-run single that gave them a 4-2 lead. The Tigers cut the deficit to 4-3 in the sixth, but the Cardinals added an insurance run in the eighth to seal the win.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Justin Verlander was placed on the 15-day injured list due to left hip inflammation prior to the game.

The players

Ivan Herrera

The Cardinals' catcher whose two-run single in the fifth inning gave St. Louis the lead.

Kerry Carpenter

The Tigers' outfielder who hit a two-run homer in the third inning to give Detroit an early lead.

Justin Verlander

The veteran Tigers pitcher who was placed on the injured list prior to the game with left hip inflammation, missing his scheduled start.

Kyle Leahy

The Cardinals' starting pitcher, who gave up two runs and five hits in five innings of work.

Keider Montero

The Tigers' starting pitcher, who was recalled from Triple-A Toledo to make the start in place of the injured Verlander.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been due for a big inning like that. The guys really came through when we needed it most.”

— Oliver Marmol, Cardinals Manager

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to build on this comeback win as they continue their road trip, while the Tigers will hope to get Verlander back from the injured list soon to bolster their starting rotation.

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience of the Cardinals, who were able to overcome an early deficit and score four runs in the fifth inning to rally past the Tigers. It was an important win for St. Louis as they try to keep pace in the NL Central race.