Tigers crush Twins 10-5 on June 29, 2025, becoming MLB's first to 51 wins. Riley Greene and Tarik Skubal star in the dominant AL Central victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget the 'surprise powerhouse' label. The 2025 Detroit Tigers are simply a powerhouse. With a resounding 10-5 victory over the division-rival Minnesota Twins on Sunday, the Tigers became the first team in Major League Baseball to reach 51 wins, further extending their commanding lead in the AL Central and sending another clear message to the rest of the league.
Riley Greene's monster day: 3-for-5 with a home run and 4 RBIs.
The bats were alive at Comerica Park as the Tigers put on an offensive clinic. Riley Greene led the charge, going 3-for-5 with a home run and 4 RBIs, continuing his spectacular season. He wasn't alone, as Spencer Torkelson chipped in with a crucial two-run double and breakout catcher Dillon Dingler launched a three-run homer that electrified the crowd. On the mound, ace Tarik Skubal was his usual dominant self, pitching six strong innings and striking out eight to earn his 10th win. Even the newly activated Matt Vierling, fresh off the IL, made an immediate impact, going 1-for-4 with a double and scoring twice. Alex Lange shut the door in the ninth for his 18th save, capping off a statement win.
With their 51st victory, the Tigers aren't just leading the AL Central by a whopping 9.5 games; they are setting the pace for the entire league. This dominance has captured the attention of national media, who are now seriously debating Detroit's chances of winning the American League pennant. While the high-powered offense and Skubal-led rotation draw praise, some experts remain skeptical, pointing to bullpen inconsistency and the team's overall lack of recent postseason experience as potential Achilles' heels come October.
Sunday's win was a perfect illustration of the team's impressive depth. Matt Vierling's seamless return provided an immediate boost, showing the club can weather injuries and keep firing on all cylinders. And while the major league team thrives, the future looks just as bright. Down in High-A, top prospects Max Clark (3-for-4, HR, 2 SB) and Kevin McGonigle (2 doubles, 3 RBI) also had huge days, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the talent pipeline that promises to keep the Tigers competitive for years to come.
The Tigers have answered every question so far in 2025, building a juggernaut that leads the league in wins. The challenge now is to maintain this incredible pace and address the lingering questions about their bullpen before the October spotlight arrives. If this weekend was any indication, this team has the talent, swagger, and depth to make a serious run for it all.
