Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton and catcher Dillon Dingler executed a strikeout and 2-1 putout to end a bases-loaded threat in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals on Thursday at Comerica Park.
The Royals loaded the bases with one out after walks to Carter Jensen and Salvador Perez along with a single from Vinnie Pasquantino. Melton then struck out Michael Massey and Isaac Collins on three pitches each.
The final strike to Collins bounced in the dirt past Dingler. With two outs already recorded the ball remained live, but the force play at home allowed Melton to catch Dingler's flip and step on the plate just before Jensen slid across.
The play preserved the Tigers' early lead in the series opener.
