Matt Vierling hit a two-run double off reliever Ricky Vanasco to make it 9-6. That forced Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to call up closer Evan Phillips for the second straight day.
Carson Kelly, who produced a frustrating 804 feet of fly balls to center field earlier in the game, launched an RBI single to left — 9-7.
Then, with two outs, Keith, who hit a two-run double in the second inning, caught a first-pitch home run that was in and out of the plate and hit it to right field. His ninth home run of the year tied the game.
“We said he was cutting on the first pitch about 70 percent of the time,” Keith said. “So I told Michael Brdar (the hitting coach) I was going to retire him if he threw me one. He threw me one and I was able to throw it in the air.”
The ball flew 364 feet and landed in the short brush just above the wall in right field.
“I don’t know how to comment on this game properly, other than it’s an incredible feeling to see the guys happy in that locker room,” Hinch said. “What a comeback.”
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By the end of the game, Hinch had used all of his bench players, along with five relievers. Ryan Vilade ended up playing three positions, right field, first base and left field. It was supposed to be an off day for Urshela.
“I’m really glad I didn’t give him one,” Hinch said.
Over his last 11 games, Keith is hitting .410 with a double, two triples, five home runs and 13 RBIs.
“It’s really good to see him,” Urshela said. “Everyone knows how he’s been in the first two months of the season. He’s worked really hard and I’m really happy he’s getting all these results. I feel good for him.”
For Keith, what mattered most was less his day than what the team had accomplished. He still pinched himself afterwards.
“Honestly, it was one of the coolest moments I’ve had so far,” he said. “Playing against the Dodgers. Obviously, they have billion-dollar players and to be able to beat them with guys from here. It was fun.”
Keith, a left-handed hitter, finished the day with three hits, a walk and four RBIs. Two of those hits came against left-handed pitchers. His two-run double in the second inning came on a pinch hit by Dodgers left-handed starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski. He followed that up with a swing into the left-center gap, further evidence of his growth and comfort in the batter’s box.
“Each one of those experiences is going to make him more and more stable,” Hinch said. “And he’s never satisfied. This guy can go out and do what he did today and he’ll talk about the one time he didn’t like it. He’s a perfectionist by nature and he’s also a hard worker by nature.
“That’s a great quality.”
There was one final moment of joy Saturday. Vilade, just 25, has played 696 minor league games. He joined the big leagues with Colorado for three games in 2021 and was playing in just his sixth game with the Tigers. And in his 22nd plate appearance over those four years, he finally hit his first major league homer in the fifth.
“It’s special,” he said. “A great moment, unforgettable. But that game, though. Down five in the ninth inning, we come back to tie it, Colt and Gio hit big home runs. It was a special day.”
Wenceel Perez followed with his fourth home run of the season.
“I didn’t really feel it,” Vilade said of the ball he hit. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime swing. I can’t really explain it. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”
Hinch was asked where the win ranks among his highlights with the Tigers.
“I don’t remember much,” he said with a laugh. “There have been some really fun wins, but this one is going to rank up there with the best. You can never be mad after a win, but you can be a little more excited after a win like today.”
Chris.McCosky@detroitnews.com
@cmccosky
