Casey Mize dominates and Riley Greene homers as the Tigers beat the Pirates 3-2 on June 17, 2025. Read how Detroit solidified its AL Central lead.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another night, another victory for the Detroit Tigers. Behind a stellar outing from Casey Mize and a go-ahead blast from Riley Greene, the Tigers edged the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 at Comerica Park. The win wasn't just another notch in the belt; it was a perfect encapsulation of why this 2025 team is for real, improving to a remarkable 47-27 and tightening their grip on the AL Central.
Riley Greene led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run that proved to be the difference.
Casey Mize was in complete control Tuesday night, carving up the Pirates lineup for 6.2 masterful innings. The former first-overall pick improved his record to 7-2, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. The offense provided just enough support, with the key blow coming from Riley Greene's two-run homer in the third inning. But it wasn't all long balls; a crucial double play turned by Javier Báez in the seventh inning snuffed out a Pirates rally before Alex Lange came in to shut the door for his 18th save of the season. It was a classic Tigers win: strong starting pitching, clutch hitting, and solid defense.
While Mize and Greene grabbed the headlines, the continued emergence of Dillon Dingler cannot be overstated. The rookie catcher was a force behind the plate, throwing out a would-be base stealer to neutralize a threat. He also contributed with his bat, lacing a key double. Dingler's graduation from the farm system has given the Tigers a steady, productive presence at a crucial position, solidifying the lineup and handling a pitching staff that's become one of the league's best. His success is a testament to the organization's player development.
Dingler is just one piece of a larger, successful puzzle built from within. The current roster is teeming with homegrown talent that has recently graduated from the farm system, including pitchers Jackson Jobe, Brant Hurter, and Brenan Hanifee, and shortstop Trey Sweeney. While this has left the farm system a bit top-heavy, with the next wave of prospects further off, it's the best kind of problem to have. The front office's plan is bearing fruit, creating a sustainable winner without needing to make major splashes on the trade market. The quiet transaction wire is a sign of confidence in the current group.
With a commanding lead in the division and a roster clicking on all cylinders, the Tigers are proving they are legitimate contenders. The blend of veteran leadership and a wave of impactful young talent has created a winning machine in Detroit. As they continue their push toward October, the message is clear: the plan is working, and the best may be yet to come.
