Riley Greene's 10th-inning single leads Tigers past Nationals 4-3 on July 1. Tarik Skubal shines as Detroit's resilience secures a thrilling extra-inning win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think this 2025 Detroit Tigers team has shown you everything, they find a new way to win. In a gritty, back-and-forth battle in the nation's capital, it was Riley Greene who played the hero, lacing a go-ahead RBI single in the top of the 10th inning to secure a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals. The win not only pushes the Tigers to a remarkable 53-32 record but serves as another testament to the resilience and chemistry fueling this unforgettable season.
This group finds a way to compete every night. The bullpen stepped up, and our young guys keep delivering in big moments.
Tuesday's contest was a nail-biter from the start, headlined by another dominant outing from ace Tarik Skubal. The lefty was electric, carving up the Nationals for 7 strong innings while allowing just two earned runs and racking up 9 strikeouts. The offense broke through in the 6th when Kerry Carpenter blasted a two-run homer, his team-leading 21st of the year. But the Nats clawed back, tying the game and setting the stage for late-game tension. After a spectacular game-saving catch by Parker Meadows in the 8th kept things level, the game pushed to extras. With Gleyber Torres starting on second, Riley Greene delivered the clutch single that put Detroit ahead for good. Jason Foley picked up the win with a clean 9th, and Alex Lange slammed the door for his 18th save.
This win wasn't just another notch in the belt; it was a historic one. The victory made the Tigers the first American League team to reach 53 wins this season, marking the franchise's best start through 85 games since the 2013 AL Championship team. A huge part of that success is Skubal, who continues to build his Cy Young case. As of July 1st, he leads the entire American League in both strikeouts (132) and ERA (2.41). When your ace is the best pitcher in the league, you're going to win a lot of ballgames.
The front office is clearly all-in on this season. Ahead of Tuesday's game, the team recalled top infield prospect Jace Jung from Triple-A Toledo. Jung, who was hitting a blistering .298 with 12 homers for the Mud Hens, adds another potent left-handed bat and defensive versatility to the big-league club. And the moves may not be done. With the trade deadline a month away, reports have linked the Tigers to talks for a veteran left-handed reliever. Adding another experienced arm to a bullpen that just got Alex Lange and Tommy Kahnle back to full strength would be a major boost for the stretch run.
The winning culture extends throughout the organization. Down in Triple-A, the Toledo Mud Hens cruised to a 7-2 victory, powered by a resurgent Akil Badoo, who went 3-for-4 with a homer and is making a strong case for a return trip to Detroit. That positive energy is palpable in the Tigers' clubhouse. Following the win, the team's official social media posted a now-viral video of a coordinated dugout dance celebration, led by Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres. It's clear this team isn't just winning; they're having a blast doing it.
With the team firing on all cylinders, reinforcements arriving, and the chemistry off the charts, the excitement in Detroit is reaching a fever pitch. As they continue their series against the Nationals and the front office eyes upgrades for the trade deadline, one thing is certain: this Tigers team is special. Buckle up, because the best may be yet to come.
