At 39 years old, Miguel Cabrera continues to contribute hits and wins.
The Venezuelan ended the game with a single in the ninth inning, his third hit of the night, and the Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-3 on Thursday.
Earlier this season, Cabrera became the seventh player in history with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. He’s hitting .300 for the year, something he hasn’t done since 2015.
“In the first few innings, Ernie Clement, his third baseman, said, ‘That guy is amazing, isn’t he?’ I told him, ‘Only for 20 years,’” Tigers outfielder Robbie Grossman said. “He has hit great this year. Nothing surprises me right now.”
Jonathan Schoop doubled with one out in the final inning, advanced on a wild pitch by Trevor Stephan (2-2) and scored on Cabrera’s 3,029th career hit.
“This guy has been out here doing this a long time,” Cleveland catcher Luke Maile said. “He’s a really smart hitter. The pitcher wasn’t bad, but he has an excellent idea of what he wants to do.”
Cabrera was congratulated by his teammates near the initial. He ended up soaking wet after the contents of the cooler were thrown at him.
“He’s making great at-bats and contributing, obviously,” Tigers manager AJ Hing said. “It’s fun to watch.”
Gregory Soto (2-2) gave up one hit and struck out in the ninth for the win.
In the first inning, Javier Báez hit an RBI single, while Schoop added a sacrifice fly and Cabrera singled, giving Detroit a 3-0 lead.
For the Guardians, the Dominicans Amed Rosario 3-1 with a run scored, José Ramírez 4-1, Óscar González 4-2. Colombian Óscar Mercado 4-1 with a run scored.
For the Tigers, Venezuelan Cabrera 4-3 with two RBIs. Puerto Rican Báez 3-1 with an RBI. The Dominican Jeimer Candelario 4-0.