Javier Báez's 4 RBIs and 4 homers from the Detroit Tigers powered a 7-5 win over the Phillies on Aug 2. See how their power surge overcame Zack Wheeler.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a heavyweight bout between two of the league's best arms, it was the Detroit Tigers' bats that delivered the knockout blow. Facing Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, the Tigers blasted four home runs, including a decisive two-run shot from Javier Báez, to secure a thrilling 7-5 victory in Philadelphia on Saturday night. It was a statement win, showcasing the kind of power that can carry a team deep into October.
Javier Báez was electric, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a triple, and four crucial RBIs.
The fireworks started early and kept on coming. Colt Keith and Kerry Carpenter went back-to-back in the 3rd inning to get the Tigers on the board. But the real damage came late. With the game tight in the 7th, Javier Báez turned on a pitch for a go-ahead two-run homer, followed immediately by a solo shot from Gleyber Torres. Báez wasn't done, lacing a two-run triple in the 8th to provide what proved to be the winning margin. While Tarik Skubal wasn't his sharpest in the marquee matchup against Wheeler, the offense picked him up in a massive way, overpowering a tough Phillies lineup that saw late homers from Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos.
While the team celebrated on the field, the front office made a difficult but necessary decision. To clear a roster spot for newly acquired starter Charlie Morton, the Tigers optioned reliever Brenan Hanifee to Triple-A Toledo. It's a tough pill to swallow for Hanifee, who was lights-out in July, posting a minuscule 0.77 ERA over 11.2 innings. However, the move underscores the Tigers' commitment to winning now. Adding a veteran arm like Morton to the rotation for the stretch run is a priority, and sometimes that means making unpopular choices with deserving players. It's the hard reality of a team with serious postseason aspirations.
While the big league club battles for a playoff spot, the future of the organization was on display in the Dominican Summer League. In an intrasquad matchup between DSL Tigers 1 and DSL Tigers 2, prospects like A. De Los Santos (who homered) and Luna (who doubled) showed off their tools. It's a reminder that the talent pipeline is constantly being restocked, ensuring that today's success can be sustained for years to come.
What a day for the Tigers. They showed their offensive might, made a bold roster move, and now all eyes turn to Sunday. Newly acquired veteran Charlie Morton will take the mound for his highly anticipated Detroit debut. Can he provide the starting pitching boost the team needs to solidify its spot in the playoff race? Tomorrow isn't just another game; it's the start of a new chapter.
