Tigers lose 3-0 to the Athletics on June 26 as Nick Kurtz's homer spoils Jack Flaherty's start. Despite the shutout, Detroit remains atop the AL Central.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, you can't win 'em all. Thursday night at Comerica Park was a stark reminder of that simple baseball truth as the Detroit Tigers' offense went completely cold, resulting in a frustrating 3-0 shutout loss to the Oakland Athletics. One bad pitch, a three-run blast off the bat of Nick Kurtz, was all it took to spoil an otherwise solid outing from Jack Flaherty and quiet a lineup that has been one of the league's best.
Despite the loss, the Tigers remain the first team in MLB to reach 50 wins in 2025, holding a 50-30 record and a firm grip on first place in the AL Central.
It was a classic pitcher's duel for most of the evening, but the game turned in the third inning. Jack Flaherty (now 5-9) was cruising along before a walk and a single set the stage for A's slugger Nick Kurtz, who launched a three-run homer that proved to be the only offense of the night. Flaherty settled down, finishing with seven strikeouts over six innings, but the damage was done. The Tigers' bats, meanwhile, couldn't figure out Oakland starter Jacob Lopez. Detroit managed just three hits all game, with Jahmai Jones' sixth-inning double and Wenceel Pérez's seventh-inning triple being the only moments of hope. Unfortunately, both runners were left stranded, summing up a night of offensive frustration.
Before we hit the panic button over one quiet night, let's take a deep breath and look at the standings. The Tigers are still 50-30. That's not a typo. They were the first team in all of baseball to hit that 50-win milestone and they still sit comfortably atop the AL Central. This is still one of the most complete teams in the league, ranking 5th in runs scored, 9th in team average (.254), and 6th in team ERA (3.50). Shutouts happen, even to the best teams. This loss stings, but it's a small blemish on an otherwise stellar season so far.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are shaking things up for the series finale. In a fascinating move, they've announced that left-hander Dietrich Enns will get the start. For Enns, it's a remarkable journey back to the big leagues. His last MLB appearance was in 2021, and he has since pitched professionally in both Japan for the Seibu Lions and South Korea for the LG Twins. Now, he gets a chance to make his debut in the Old English 'D'. What can we expect? It's anyone's guess, but it adds a compelling layer of intrigue to a crucial rubber match.
Thursday was a tough one, no doubt about it. But great teams bounce back from nights like these. The focus now shifts to the series finale and the debut of Dietrich Enns. It's a chance to answer back, take the series from the A's, and remind everyone why this 50-win ballclub is a legitimate contender. Let's see if the bats can wake up for the well-traveled lefty.
