Lee’s Summit West grad and Tigers reliever Alex Lange talks return to Kauffman Stadium
The Kansas City Royals’ hopes of one-upping the Detroit Tigers’ three-run eighth inning and mounting a comeback in Monday’s 3-2 loss was shut down quickly by Tigers closer Alex Lange.
The right-hander went three-up and three-down over 10 pitches, striking out both first baseman Nick Pratto and designated hitter Drew Waters, while third baseman Matt Duffy grounded out to third. He secured his 15th save of the season.
On top of that, it was another appearance for Lange at a stadium he grew up visiting. Before the big leagues — and time spent at LSU for college — the reliever took the mound about 20 minutes south of Kauffman Stadium, attending Lee’s Summit West High School.
Although Lange expressed how important it is to stay focused, he pointed out how unique the opportunity is to pitch at The K.
“I think any opportunity to toe the slab in your hometown is pretty cool,” Lange said. “But it’s still business as usual.”
Lange added that playing in Kansas City allows his family, friends, old teammates and high school friends that still live in the area to see him pitch. The four-game trip in July is the Tigers’ second series at The K this season.
Lange is currently tied for ninth in the American League in saves and seventh among AL relievers in opponents’ batting average (.176). Additionally, he was named AL Reliever of the Month in May.
In high school, the 2014 graduate was a hot commodity in the Missouri high school baseball community, posting a 0.96 ERA in his final season.
After three years at LSU, Lange was drafted 30th overall to the Chicago Cubs in 2017. In 2019, he was traded to the Tigers, and that’s when he recognized the chance he had to return home more often.
“When you get traded to an AL Central team it’s a realization that you get to play at home two to three times a year,” Lange said. “It’s a special moment. ... It’s pretty cool.”
