The Detroit Tigers crushed the Oakland Athletics 11-4 on June 25, as Dillon Dingler's homer and a Tarik Skubal win made them the first MLB team to 50 wins.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget just leading the AL Central. The Detroit Tigers are now leading all of Major League Baseball. With a thunderous 11-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday, the Tigers became the first team in the league to reach the 50-win milestone, improving their stellar record to 50-30 and sending a clear message to the rest of the league: the boys from the Motor City are for real.
The Detroit Tigers are the first MLB team to reach 50 wins in 2025.
The story of the night was the bats. After putting up big numbers recently, the offense hit another gear, scoring 11 runs to bring their total to an incredible 31 over the last four games. The biggest blow came from catcher Dillon Dingler, who broke the game open with a massive three-run home run. The 'Dillon Dingler hit a dinger' moment sent Comerica Park into a frenzy. He wasn't alone, as Kerry Carpenter added a solo shot and the ever-consistent Riley Greene continued his torrid pace with another multi-hit performance, setting the table all night.
On the mound, it wasn't the typical lights-out performance we've come to expect from Tarik Skubal, but it was enough. The ace battled through six innings, allowing four runs but ultimately earning his 9th win of the season thanks to the overwhelming run support. It's a testament to this team's quality that they can win decisively even when their Cy Young candidate has an off night. Skubal's grit kept the team in control, and he remains a frontrunner for the prestigious award.
Reaching 50 wins before anyone else isn't just a number; it's a statement of intent. This team is building on last year's playoff run and transforming into a legitimate contender. With a solid grip on the AL Central lead, the Tigers are showcasing a potent blend of young stars like Greene and Dingler with savvy veteran leadership. They aren't just winning; they're dominating, and they look poised to make a deep run this October.
As the Tigers celebrate this milestone, the focus immediately shifts to continuing this momentum. They've proven they can win with pitching, and now they're proving they can win with an explosive offense. With the rest of the series against Oakland ahead, Detroit has a chance to further solidify its status as the team to beat in the American League. The road to 50 wins was impressive; the road ahead looks even more exciting.
