The game at Comerica Park on Thursday was a rollercoaster for Jack Leiter and the Texas Rangers, despite a 9-7 victory over the Detroit Tigers. The match started with a bang for the Rangers as Marcus Semien smashed a leadoff home run.
Leiter, stepping onto the MLB stage for the first time, initially dazzled by retiring Riley Greene with a quick three-pitch strikeout. The Rangers then built a 4-0 lead, powered by a two-run homer from Jonah Heim.
However, the Tigers quickly countered in the second inning, putting the young pitcher to the test. They rallied with four runs, including a triple by Greene that brought in a run, leveling the score. Leiter managed to settle briefly, executing a flawless third inning in just eight pitches.
The tug-of-war continued into the fourth inning, where a misjudged fly ball by Ranger’s center fielder Leody Taveras contributed to a two-run score for the Tigers, reducing Texas’s lead to a slender one run. The Tigers eventually tied the game, prompting Rangers manager Bruce Bochy to pull Leiter after 3 2/3 innings. Leiter’s debut concluded with eight hits, seven earned runs, and three strikeouts from 85 pitches.
Despite the mixed results, the day was historic, marking the first occasion two sons of former MLB players, both named Leiter, appeared in the major leagues. Jack Leiter, the promising second-overall pick from the 2021 MLB Draft and son of Al Leiter, has shown glimpses of his potential amidst the challenges of his first major league outing.
First @MLB strikeout for @jackleiter22! #StraightUpTX pic.twitter.com/nffCF3Qa6f
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) April 18, 2024
Keep Calm and Kerry On! #RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/3M3xblfI3X
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) April 18, 2024