Detroit Tigers stun the Tampa Bay Rays 9-3 on June 22, 2025, as Wenceel Pérez and Parker Meadows homer in a massive six-run ninth to snap the losing streak.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the losing streak would never end, the Detroit Tigers reminded everyone what they're made of. Trailing late in the series finale against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Tigers unleashed a stunning six-run barrage in the top of the ninth inning, turning a tense nail-biter into a decisive 9-3 victory and snapping a frustrating three-game skid.
'We needed that one. The guys never quit, and today we showed what we're capable of.' - A.J. Hinch
The game was hanging in the balance until the Tigers' bats came alive in the ninth. The catalyst was Wenceel Pérez, who launched a go-ahead two-run homer off Garrett Cleavinger that completely shifted the momentum. But the Tigers weren't done. Parker Meadows followed suit, blasting a homer of his own as part of the offensive onslaught. When the dust settled, Pérez and Meadows had each collected three RBIs, providing the thunder in an inning that Detroit desperately needed to get back in the win column.
While the ninth-inning heroics stole the headlines, the victory was built on the foundation laid by Riley Greene all afternoon. The Tigers' star outfielder was a constant threat at the plate, going 3-for-4 and scoring two crucial runs. Greene's ability to get on base consistently put pressure on the Rays' pitching and set the table for the big bats behind him. It was a classic table-setter performance that proved instrumental in the comeback.
An offensive explosion is only as good as the pitching that protects it, and the Tigers' bullpen was more than up to the task. After the offense seized the lead, the relievers entered and completely shut down the Tampa Bay lineup over the final innings. Their scoreless performance was the perfect complement to the run support, ensuring the Rays had no chance of a comeback and securing a much-needed series-salvaging win.
After a tough stretch, this is the kind of character-building win that can galvanize a clubhouse. With no new injuries to report and a clean slate, the Tigers will look to carry this powerful momentum forward. As manager A.J. Hinch noted, they showed what they're capable of. Now, the challenge is to make that explosive, resilient brand of baseball the norm as they head into their next series.
