The seventh inning changed everything. Detroit scored five runs to break a 3-3 tie and defeat Cincinnati 8-3 at Great American Ball Park, snapping the Reds' two-game winning streak.
Spencer Torkelson led the Tigers' 12-hit attack, going 3-for-4 with a home run, RBI and walk. Gleyber Torres added three hits and three runs, including a two-run homer in the eighth inning. Torres is batting .250 with two home runs and nine RBIs this season.
The decisive seventh began with Lee's two-run homer to center that scored Torres and gave Detroit a 4-3 lead. Torkelson followed with a solo shot to left center, extending the margin to two runs. Vierling's sacrifice fly brought Carpenter home to cap the five-run outburst.
Sam Moll absorbed the loss after allowing two runs in just one-third of an inning. The Cincinnati reliever, who entered with a 2.19 ERA, gave up one hit and struck out one. Brant Hurter earned the win with a scoreless sixth inning for Detroit, improving to 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA.
Cincinnati entered 18-9 and leading their division. Detroit improved to 14-14, sitting second in their division.