The Detroit Tigers fall 8-4 to the Seattle Mariners on July 13, 2025, getting swept before the All-Star break despite an early lead from Dillon Dingler.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Well, that's not how you want to head into the midsummer classic. The Detroit Tigers, the best team in baseball by record, were sent into the All-Star break with a thud, falling 8-4 to the Seattle Mariners at Comerica Park. The loss not only completed a deflating three-game sweep by the Mariners but also extended the team's losing streak to a season-high four games, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of fans who have enjoyed a stellar season so far.
The Tigers enter the All-Star break on a season-high four-game losing streak.
Sunday's game felt like a microcosm of the series. The Tigers jumped out to an early lead, with Dillon Dingler lacing a two-run double in the first inning to energize the crowd. But the Mariners chipped away, using the long ball to stay in it. After Gleyber Torres tied the game at 3-3 with a clutch sacrifice fly in the seventh, it felt like anyone's game. Unfortunately, 'anyone' turned out to be Seattle. The Mariners blew the game wide open with a four-run ninth inning against the Tigers' bullpen, a recurring issue that has suddenly become a glaring weakness.
Ace Jack Flaherty was on the mound and looked sharp for much of his outing. He racked up seven strikeouts over five innings of work, showcasing the swing-and-miss stuff that has made him a Cy Young candidate. However, two mistakes left the yard, as solo shots by Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena kept Seattle within striking distance. Flaherty left with the game tied, earning a no-decision for his efforts. It was a solid, if not dominant, start, but it underscores a troubling trend: even when the starters do their job, the team is struggling to close out games.
Let's be clear: this team is still the class of the American League. Holding the best record in baseball at the All-Star break is no small feat. But this four-game skid, capped by a sweep at home, is a necessary reality check. The late-inning pitching has been shaky, and the offense has struggled to deliver the knockout blow. The timing of the break couldn't be better. It's a chance for the bullpen to catch its breath, for the hitters to clear their heads, and for the entire organization to regroup for the second-half push.
The next few days will be about celebrating the Tigers' All-Stars, but the real work begins when play resumes. This team has proven it can dominate. Now, they need to use this break to fix the cracks that have appeared and come back ready to prove that this losing streak was just a blip on the radar of a championship season. Rest up, boys. The pennant race awaits.
