Pirates fall to Tigers 5-2 on June 17, 2025, despite a Bryan Reynolds homer and Andrew McCutchen's 1,900th career hit. Read the full game recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tale of two stories in Detroit on Tuesday night. While the scoreboard read 5-2 in favor of the Tigers, marking another frustrating road loss for the Pirates, individual bright spots from Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen offered something for fans to cheer about. Despite a solo shot from Reynolds and a milestone hit from the veteran McCutchen, the Bucs couldn't muster enough offense to support starter Bailey Falter, falling to their 25th defeat away from home.
With his second hit of the night, Andrew McCutchen recorded the 1,900th hit of his illustrious career.
The game's pivotal moment came in the third inning when Tigers outfielder Riley Greene launched a two-run homer off Bailey Falter, setting the tone for Detroit's offense. Falter battled through 5.2 innings but ultimately surrendered four runs on seven hits while striking out five. The Pirates' offense struggled to string together hits, with their only other run coming from an RBI double by Oneil Cruz. The bullpen gave up another run, sealing the 5-2 final and dropping the team's record to a disappointing 29-44.
Amid the loss, there were reasons for optimism. Bryan Reynolds continued to be a source of power, launching a solo home run in the sixth inning. The biggest moment of the night, however, belonged to Andrew McCutchen. The Pirates legend went 2-for-4, and his second knock officially marked his 1,900th career hit. The milestone was heavily celebrated on the team's social media, reminding fans of the veteran's incredible consistency and impact on the franchise.
While the major league club struggled, promising signs emerged from the farm system. Top prospect Griffin is making waves with his athleticism and adaptability, turning heads with a spectacular diving catch in left-center. The organization continues to test his versatility by playing him in both the infield and outfield, and coaches are reportedly thrilled with his work ethic. His development remains a key storyline for the future of the franchise.
Ahead of the series opener in Detroit, the Pirates announced no changes to the roster, coaching staff, or management. With the team's record sitting at 29-44, the decision to maintain stability with the current personnel under Derek Shelton and Don Kelly will continue to be a topic of discussion among the fanbase as the season progresses.
The Pirates will look to put this loss behind them and even the series against the Tigers in the next game. While the team desperately needs to find a way to win on the road, the continued production from Reynolds, the historic achievements of McCutchen, and the promise of prospects like Griffin provide a reminder that there are still pieces to build around. The question remains: can they put it all together for a complete team victory?
