Riley Greene's 8th-inning HR lifts the Tigers over the Guardians 6-5 on July 4, 2025. See how his heroics and key returns sparked the holiday victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Happy Fourth of July, Tigers fans! The team delivered its own fireworks on Friday, battling to a nail-biting 6-5 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. In a game that had all the tension of a postseason clash, Detroit rode a wave of heroic performances and welcomed back some crucial pieces from the injured list, making for a truly explosive holiday at the ballpark.
Riley Greene was the star of the show, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs.
When the Tigers needed a spark, Riley Greene brought the explosion. The star outfielder was the offensive engine all night, capping his performance with a decisive solo home run in the eighth inning that ultimately provided the winning margin. Before that, his clutch two-run double in the seventh inning wrestled the lead away from the Guardians. It was a superstar performance from a player who continues to prove he's the heart of this lineup.
The victory was made even sweeter by the return of key reinforcements. Reese Olson, activated from the 15-day IL just hours before the game, took the mound and gave the team a solid five innings, allowing three runs. It was a gutsy return for the righty. Meanwhile, Matt Vierling also came off the IL and didn't miss a beat, lacing a key RBI single in his first game back. Getting these two back and immediately seeing them contribute is a massive boost for a team with high aspirations.
With Olson and Vierling returning, the Tigers had to make some tough decisions. Outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy and shortstop Trey Sweeney were optioned to Triple-A Toledo to clear roster space. While it's a tough break for the two young players, it's a sign of the team's increasing depth and health. The front office is prioritizing its best possible 26-man roster for the big-league club as the playoff race heats up, creating a healthy logjam of talent.
With key players back in the fold and a statement win against a tough division rival, the Tigers are firing on all cylinders. At 54-34, they're not just winning; they're building the kind of resilient, deep roster that makes a real push for October. Keep an eye on the rest of this series against the Guardians—it feels like a preview of a meaningful September.
