Watch: Tigers infielder endures nightmare inning vs. Twins

Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Tigers infielder endures incredibly bad inning against Twins

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 4/13/24

Detroit Tigers utility man Zach McKinstry had about as bad an inning as one could possibly have during the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.

McKinstry was playing third base in the 12th inning of Saturday’s game, with the Tigers trying to preserve a 5-4 deficit before they hit in the bottom of the frame. With two out, Ryan Jeffers rapped a sharp ground ball right at McKinstry and it went directly between his legs.

This is a Ryan Jeffers fan account

Let's goooooooo!! #WeBelieveInTC pic.twitter.com/0Bv2MDrbvQ

— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) April 13, 2024

The error cleared the bases, making it 8-4 Twins. With the Tigers trying to preserve their bullpen for the second game of the doubleheader, manager AJ Hinch then opted to use McKinstry as an emergency pitcher.

That did not go much better. After a walk to Manuel Margot, Matt Wallner hit a McKinstry pitch out for a three-run home run.

Matt Wallner has hit two career three run home runs.

August 2, 2023 at St. Louis
Today at Detroit pic.twitter.com/3d4muOZW1N

— Twins Dingers (@TwinsDingers) April 13, 2024

If you are keeping track, McKinstry was essentially responsible for six runs in a span of three batters, both as a position player and as a pitcher. The game went from 5-4 to 11-4 during that span, effectively ruining any hope of a Detroit comeback.

McKinstry has been a useful bench player for the Tigers since they acquired him last season, having played every position except catcher and first base. Saturday was simply a day he will want to forget.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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