The Detroit Tigers are officially on a roll. In a tense, low-scoring affair at Comerica Park on Wednesday night, it was a late-game substitution who delivered the decisive blow, powering the Tigers to their fifth consecutive victory with a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals.

The game was a classic pitcher's duel, with starters Jack Flaherty and Seth Lugo each delivering strong outings. The deadlock was finally broken in a dramatic eighth inning that began with an unexpected twist. Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry exited after a collision at third base, bringing Wenceel Pérez into the game as a defensive replacement.

Pérez wasn't just there to field. Stepping to the plate as the leadoff hitter in the bottom of the eighth, he connected on a 1-1 changeup from Royals reliever Eli Morgan, sending it over the right-field fence for his first home run of the season and a thrilling go-ahead run.

The Tigers' bullpen made the slim lead stand up. Kyle Finnegan earned the win with 1 1/3 scoreless innings of relief, and veteran closer Kenley Jansen navigated a nervous ninth inning—stranding a runner on third—to secure his fourth save and lock down the series victory.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Tigers will look to complete a series sweep Thursday afternoon. The pitching matchup features Detroit's Keider Montero against Kansas City's Kris Bubic in what promises to be another compelling chapter in this AL Central showdown.