Tigers lose 5-3 to the A's on June 24, 2025, as Tyler Soderstrom's 3 HRs spoil Tarik Skubal's start. Find out why Detroit still has the best record in MLB.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tough night at Comerica Park. Another loss, the third in a row to start the second half, this time a 5-3 defeat at the hands of the Oakland Athletics. It's easy to feel the frustration mounting. But before anyone hits the panic button, let's take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture: the Detroit Tigers still own the best record in all of baseball.
Oakland's Tyler Soderstrom single-handedly dismantled the Tigers with three home runs and four RBIs.
The story of Tuesday's game can be summed up in two words: Tyler Soderstrom. The Oakland slugger put on a power display, launching three home runs and driving in four of the A's five runs. Even with ace Tarik Skubal on the mound, the Tigers had no answer. Detroit's offense showed some signs of life, with Gleyber Torres hitting a solo shot and Manuel Margot driving in three runs on a 3-for-5 night. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to overcome Soderstrom's heroics, dropping the Tigers to 0-3 in the second half.
Yes, a three-game losing streak stings. But let's zoom out. As of Tuesday, the Tigers still hold a 48-30 record, the best in MLB. They sit atop the AL Central, powered by a dynamic young core that averages just 27.7 years old. This team has proven it can dominate on the mound and at the plate. Every great team hits a rough patch, and this appears to be Detroit's. The key is that their foundation is strong enough to withstand it without collapsing.
If you need more reason for optimism, look no further than the farm. Bleacher Report's latest rankings confirmed the Tigers still boast a top-five system in all of baseball. This is particularly impressive considering top prospects like Jackson Jobe, Trey Sweeney, and Jace Jung have recently graduated to the majors. The pipeline is still loaded with elite talent like Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle, Bryce Rainer, and catchers Josue Briceno and Thayron Liranzo. This depth not only promises a bright future but gives the front office valuable assets for potential trade deadline moves.
Losing streaks are never fun, especially to start the second half. But a three-game skid doesn't erase the 48 wins that came before it. This team is young, talented, and still in the driver's seat. With a deep farm system ready to back them up, the foundation is solid. Now, it's all about flushing this loss and coming out tomorrow ready to snap the streak and remind the league why they're the team to beat.
