Detroit Tigers rookie Eduardo Valencia splinted a 2-1 fastball, cracking into the seams and sending the pitch 425 feet to center field for a solo homer in his first career at-bat.
“I was so excited,” Valencia told MLB.TV after the 4-1 win over the Athletics on Thursday in Detroit. “I was waiting a lot for this, for my family, for Venezuela and I’m so excited.”
Valencia held back tears during his postgame interviews as he dedicated the effort to his family and his earthquake-ravaged native country.
“This is for all Venezuelan people, for all my family, for all the coaching…They gave me everything,” Valencia said.
Valencia, 26, made his MLB debut. The pinch hitter/designated hitter made a heart symbol after the home run for his wife, who was in attendance. His parents remain in Venezuela.
“Every part of that experience was incredible, memorable and impactful all into one,” Tigers managers A.J. Hinch told reporters.
The Tigers, who never trailed, took their first lead off a 363-foot solo homer from catcher Jake Rogers in the bottom of the third. The Athletics tied the score on an RBI ground out from center fielder Henry Bolte in the fifth.
Tigers shortstop Zach McKinstry crushed a 3-2 fastball from relief pitcher Jack Perkins for a 399-foot, two-run shot in the bottom of the inning for a 3-1 advantage.
The Tigers held that edge until the bottom of the ninth when Valencia stepped up to the plate for the first time of his MLB tenure. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound long-time minor leaguer fouled off the first pitch her saw from relief pitcher Hogan Harris. The left-handed pitcher missed the strike zone with his next two efforts.
Harris finished the exchange with a 94-mph fastball near the middle of the zone.
Valencia sliced into the night breeze at Comerica Park, blasting the ball just over the outfield wall for the final run of the night. He pounded his chest and pointed to the sky just before he reached home plate and found his wife in the stands.
“Everybody back at home, I love you,” Valencia said. “I love you Venezuela and thank you.”
With the victory, the Tigers extended a five-game winning streak. They’ve won eight of their last nine and sit in fourth place in the American League Central, 4.5 games behind the division-leading Chicago White Sox (47-45).
The Tigers will host the Philadelphia Phillies at 6:40 p.m. EDT Friday in Detroit.
