Kerry Carpenter Goes Deep 3 Times in Tigers’ 11–2 Rout of White Sox
CHICAGO — On a night when the Detroit Tigers needed a jolt, Kerry Carpenter delivered an electric performance that lit up Guaranteed Rate Field and sent a clear message: he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Carpenter crushed three home runs and drove in five RBIs, powering the Tigers to a dominant 11–2 victory over the struggling Chicago White Sox on Monday. The 26-year-old outfielder delivered a career night that may just mark a turning point in his young MLB journey.
“It’s one of those nights you dream about,” Carpenter said postgame. “I just felt locked in from the first pitch.”
A Career Game in Every Way
Carpenter’s trio of long balls included shots in the second, fourth, and eighth innings, with each homer showcasing his improved timing and raw power. His third home run, a towering opposite-field blast, capped a five-RBI night and drew cheers even from some rival fans impressed by the sheer display of hitting prowess.
He became the first Tiger to hit three home runs in a single game since Miguel Cabrera did it in 2013, and only the second MLB player this season to accomplish the feat.
Detroit manager A.J. Hinch praised Carpenter’s approach at the plate:
“He’s been putting in the work every day, and tonight it all came together. It was special to watch.”
Tigers’ Offense Wakes Up in Big Way
The Tigers, who had struggled offensively in recent games, erupted for 16 hits and 11 runs, snapping a brief scoring drought. Alongside Carpenter’s heroics, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson also notched multi-hit games, helping Detroit jump out to an early lead they never relinquished.
Carpenter’s second homer — a two-run shot in the fourth inning — broke the game wide open, giving the Tigers a 6–1 cushion. From that point on, it was all Detroit.
White Sox Continue to Spiral
On the other side of the field, the White Sox woes continued. The loss drops them to one of the worst records in baseball, and their pitching staff had no answers for Carpenter or the rest of the Tigers’ suddenly surging offense.
Starting pitcher Nick Nastrini lasted just 3.1 innings, giving up seven earned runs on 10 hits. The bullpen didn’t fare much better, allowing four more runs across the next five innings.
It was yet another frustrating night for Chicago fans, who have seen little to cheer for during a tough season that’s already slipping out of reach.
Carpenter’s Quiet Rise to Stardom
Carpenter, a former 19th-round pick in 2019, has emerged as one of Detroit’s most consistent bats this season. After posting promising numbers last year, he’s continued to improve in 2024, showing better plate discipline and delivering timely power.
Monday night’s performance brings his season total to 12 home runs and 34 RBIs, with a .283 batting average. If he keeps trending upward, Carpenter may soon shed the label of “emerging talent” and be recognized as a true middle-of-the-order threat for the Tigers.
What’s Next for Detroit?
The Tigers are still hovering near .500, but a breakout night like this can breathe life into a team that has flirted with inconsistency. With Carpenter, Greene, and Torkelson forming a young offensive core, Detroit could make noise in the AL Central — especially if the starting rotation holds.
Carpenter, for his part, is staying grounded.
“It’s just one game,” he said. “But it’s nice to help the team win and feel like your hard work is paying off.”
Final Thoughts
Kerry Carpenter didn’t just have a great night — he had a signature moment, the kind of performance that turns heads and makes fans believe.
If the Tigers are to push toward playoff relevance this season, they’ll need more fireworks like Monday night. And if Carpenter keeps swinging like this, he just might lead the way.