Oakland A's stun the Detroit Tigers 4-3 on June 26, 2025, with a ninth-inning rally. Brent Rooker and Mason Miller lead the way to snap the losing streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the skid would continue, the Oakland Athletics dug deep and found some late-game magic in Motown. Trailing by a run in the top of the ninth, the A's manufactured a thrilling comeback to defeat the Detroit Tigers 4-3, putting a much-needed end to a frustrating three-game losing streak.
'We’ve had some tough losses lately, but the guys kept grinding. That ninth inning showed what we’re capable of.'
The A's entered the final frame down 3-2, but they refused to go quietly. The rally was a textbook display of situational hitting, sparked by a clutch RBI single from Brent Rooker to tie the game. Moments later, Tyler Soderstrom delivered the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly, showcasing the poise of the young slugger. The rally backed a solid start from Jeffrey Springs, who battled for six innings, and featured another stolen base for the fleet-footed Esteury Ruiz, his 25th of the season.
With the lead secured, the ball went to the man who has been automatic all year: Mason Miller. He calmly shut the door in the bottom of the ninth for his 21st save, further cementing his place among the American League's elite closers. Now in the top three in the AL for saves, Miller's dominance (1.98 ERA, 0.92 WHIP) has been a constant source of stability. As manager Mark Kotsay noted post-game, his consistency has been invaluable.
The win came on a day of significant roster shuffling. The A's recalled LHP Jacob Lopez from Las Vegas to provide bullpen depth, a move necessitated by Gio Urshela landing on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. In corresponding moves, outfielder JJ Bleday was optioned to Triple-A and Seth Brown was designated for assignment. While the big-league club was grinding out a win, the future was flexing its muscle in Vegas. Top prospect Denzel Clarke had a monster night, blasting two home runs and driving in five, reminding everyone of the talent pipeline that remains a major bright spot for the organization.
This was more than just one win; it was a statement of resilience. As manager Mark Kotsay said, it showed what this team is capable of. With veteran leaders like Rooker stepping up, a shutdown closer in Miller, and exciting talent like Clarke knocking on the door, the A's have the pieces to build on this momentum. Snapping the losing streak was the first step; now, they'll look to turn this gritty victory into a winning streak as the series in Detroit continues.
