Keider Montero throws complete game as Detroit Tigers roll Colorado Rockies in 11-0 win
Detroit Tigers right-hander Keider Montero threw a complete game shutout in Tuesday's 11-0 win over the Colorado Rockies to open a three-game series at Comerica Park.
He needed 96 pitches.
The Tigers (74-71) rolled the Rockies, thanks to four runs in the second inning and six runs in the sixth inning. But Montero stole the show in the blowout victory with his dominance on the mound, facing the minimum 27 batters.
The complete game from Montero was the first from the Tigers since Spencer Turnbull's no-hitter in 2021. He became the first Tigers pitcher since Justin Verlander in 2011 to face the minimum batters.
The Rockies — eager to swing despite being prone to chasing pitches — were limited to three baserunners, all of which were erased from the bases on double plays.
Ryan McMahon singled to begin the second inning, but Brendan Rodgers grounded into an inning-ending double play. Ezequiel Tovar singled with one out in the seventh inning, but Brenton Doyle grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Another double play occurred in the eighth inning. Aaron Schunk hit a leadoff single, but Michael Toglia lined into a double play. After that, Rodgers grounded out.
In the ninth inning, Montero retired Sam Hilliard (lineout), Hunter Goodman (groundout) and Jordan Beck (strikeout) to end the game.
He finished with zero walks and five strikeouts.
Montero, 24, owns a 4.88 ERA in 15 games (14 starts) in his MLB career, following his MLB debut in late May. He hadn't pitched beyond the seventh inning before Tuesday's complete game.
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Parker Meadows stays hot
Parker Meadows continued his success at the plate in the first inning, hitting a solo home run off right-hander Bradley Blalock for a 1-0 lead. It was the first leadoff homer of his MLB career.
Meadows and Blalock attended high school together at Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia, with Meadows as the No. 44 overall pick in 2018 and Blalock as the No. 977 overall pick in 2019.
The Tigers only needed one run, but they scored four runs in the second inning and six runs in the sixth inning.
Meadows finished 2-for-3 with two walks and three RBIs.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Keider Montero throws complete game as Tigers roll Rockies in 11-0 win
