Reese Olson shines in his return as homers from Pérez & McKinstry lead the Tigers over the Guardians 2-1 on July 4, 2025, extending Cleveland's skid.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a classic AL Central showdown, the Detroit Tigers showcased their newfound formula for success: stellar pitching and timely power. Backed by the triumphant return of Reese Olson to the mound, the Tigers edged the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Friday night, extending their rival's losing streak to a painful eight games and continuing their own climb in the standings.
The Tigers are now a perfect 6-0 this season when Zach McKinstry homers.
While the final score was tight, the offense came from two big swings. After falling behind 1-0, Wenceel Pérez ignited the Tigers' comeback in the third inning with a solo shot to tie the game. Just an inning later, Zach McKinstry delivered the decisive blow, launching the go-ahead solo homer that would stand as the game-winner. The bullpen was masterful, with Tyler Holton earning the win after 2 2/3 innings of one-hit relief and Will Vest shutting the door for his 14th save, stranding the bases loaded in the eighth to extinguish Cleveland's best threat.
The biggest story of the night might have been the man on the mound to start the game. Making his first start since May 17 after nearly seven weeks on the injured list, Reese Olson looked sharp. The right-hander navigated 4 1/3 innings, allowing just one run on six hits. His return from right ring finger inflammation is a massive boost for a rotation that needs his stability for the second-half push. He showed solid command and proved he's ready to be a key contributor once again.
Though they only scored two runs, the win was another data point in the story of the Tigers' offensive turnaround. The team now ranks fifth in all of baseball, averaging 4.90 runs per game, a night-and-day difference from past seasons. President of baseball operations Scott Harris credits internal development, with players like Riley Greene (141 wRC+) leading a charge built on improved power and quality of contact. The ability to win a tight game with the long ball is a weapon this team simply didn't have a year ago.
Olson's return is a huge relief for a team still navigating significant injuries. Key offensive weapon Kerry Carpenter remains out until mid-July with a hamstring issue, and the pitching staff is still missing Sawyer Gipson-Long. With top prospect Jackson Jobe and relievers Alex Lange and José Urquidy out for the season, the Tigers' ability to keep winning is a testament to their depth and resilience.
This gritty 2-1 victory was a microcosm of the 2025 Tigers: resilient, opportunistic, and increasingly dangerous. With Reese Olson back anchoring the rotation and an offense that finds ways to win, the push for the AL Central crown is in full swing. Beating up on a struggling rival is what contenders do, and as the Tigers look to clinch the series, they're proving they belong in that conversation.
