The Tigers beat the Cubs 4-0 on June 8, 2025, as Jack Flaherty's resurgence continues. See how Flaherty and Spencer Torkelson fuel Detroit's AL Central lead.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
No game on the schedule today, Tigers fans, but the buzz is still palpable. After a dominant 4-0 series-clinching victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, the Detroit Tigers are sitting pretty at 43-24, firmly in control of the AL Central. This off-day isn't just a break; it's a chance to savor the feeling of being one of baseball's elite teams.
In his last four starts, Jack Flaherty is 3-1 with a blistering 1.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts. The ace has arrived.
The biggest story of the weekend, and perhaps the last month, has been the re-emergence of Jack Flaherty as a true top-of-the-rotation arm. After a shaky start to his Tigers tenure, Flaherty has been nothing short of electric. His masterpiece on Sunday against the Cubs—six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts, allowing just two hits—was the exclamation point. He's now 5-6 on the season, but that record doesn't tell the story of his recent dominance. His command is sharp, his stuff is crisp, and he's pitching with the swagger of an ace.
The win on Sunday wasn't just a Flaherty story; it was a total team effort that showcased why the Tigers are so tough to beat, especially at Comerica Park. Spencer Torkelson delivered the big blow with a two-run double, while the outfield defense from Kerry Carpenter and Parker Meadows was stellar. The victory improved the Tigers' home record to a staggering 23-9, the second-best mark in all of baseball. They've turned their home ballpark into a true fortress, a critical component for any team with postseason aspirations.
Taking two of three from the NL Central-leading Cubs is a significant statement. It proves this Tigers team isn't just padding their record against lesser opponents. They can go toe-to-toe with other division leaders and come out on top. With a 43-24 overall record, the Tigers have built a healthy lead in their own division and are serving notice to the rest of the American League that they are a legitimate threat for a deep October run.
Enjoy the day off, Detroit. This team has earned it. The brief rest will be crucial as they prepare to continue this incredible run. With the pitching clicking, the bats delivering in key moments, and an impenetrable home-field advantage, the question is no longer *if* the Tigers are for real, but just how far they can go.