Tigers lose a wild 8-4 extra-inning game to the Pirates on June 20, 2025. Despite a Colt Keith homer, chaos reigned, but is dominant pitching the real story?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night that had everything: a 75-minute rain delay, a furious comeback, a manager's ejection, and ultimately, a gut-punch of a loss. The Detroit Tigers' 8-4, 10-inning defeat at the hands of the Pittsburgh Pirates was a chaotic end to a long day of baseball, but for a team sitting at 48-27, one wild night can't overshadow the dominant story of their season.
The rotation's collective ERA was 2.47 from mid-May through mid-June, the best in all of Major League Baseball.
The day started brilliantly, with Riley Greene driving in four runs to power a 9-2 victory in the first game. But the nightcap devolved into a marathon of frustration. After falling behind 4-0, the Tigers clawed back, with Gleyber Torres' two-run double sparking the offense and Colt Keith's clutch two-run homer in the seventh tying the game. But after a lengthy rain delay in the ninth, the bullpen couldn't hold on. The 10th inning saw the Pirates plate four runs, a disputed call that led to A.J. Hinch's ejection, and an unfortunate confrontation between fans and Tommy Pham, capping a sour end to the homestand.
Why shouldn't fans panic after one tough loss? Because this team is built on one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. Tarik Skubal continues his Cy Young-caliber campaign with a minuscule 1.99 ERA and 90 strikeouts. Casey Mize has been a revelation in his return from injury, posting a 2.95 ERA. Before their injuries, Reese Olson and rookie Jackson Jobe were both spectacular, with Jobe starting his MLB career 4-1. This rotation isn't just good; it's historically dominant, posting a league-best 2.47 ERA over the past month. That's the engine driving this team's success.
The success isn't an accident; it's by design. The Tigers' front office has built a contender through the draft and development. Four of the team's top six hitters and five of six rotation members are homegrown talents. While the farm system's overall depth may have thinned due to recent promotions, the quality is undeniable. We're already seeing contributions from recent graduates like catcher Dillon Dingler, shortstop Trey Sweeney, and bullpen arms Brant Hurter and Brenan Hanifee. This proves the pipeline is working and providing the reinforcements needed for a long season.
Now, the Tigers must shake off the chaos and travel to Tampa Bay for a pivotal series against the Rays. Jack Flaherty takes the mound tonight against Shane Baz in what promises to be a great pitching matchup. It's a chance to turn the page, get back to playing clean, dominant baseball, and remind the American League why this Detroit team, powered by its incredible arms and homegrown talent, is a legitimate threat for the pennant.
