Tigers fall to Rays 6-3 on June 20 as Jack Flaherty struggles. Riley Greene stays hot, extending his hitting streak to 11 games with a solo home run.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those frustrating nights in Tampa. The Detroit Tigers dropped the series opener to the Rays 6-3, with starter Jack Flaherty having a rare off night on the mound. But even in a loss, a familiar silver lining emerged: Riley Greene simply cannot be stopped, providing a solo shot and extending his incredible hitting streak.
Riley Greene is batting .356 with four home runs and 13 RBIs during his 11-game hitting streak.
The game's pivotal moment came early, as Rays slugger Randy Arozarena tagged Jack Flaherty for a three-run homer in the third inning. Flaherty (5-8) never quite found his rhythm, ultimately lasting just 4.2 innings and surrendering five runs. While the offense, led by Spencer Torkelson's two hits and an RBI, tried to claw back, the early deficit proved too much to overcome against a tough Rays starter in Shane Baz. The bullpen did its job, allowing just one run over the final 3.1 innings, but the damage was done.
If there's one player who is must-see TV right now, it's Riley Greene. The Tigers' star outfielder extended his hitting streak to 11 games with another multi-hit performance, going 2-for-4. His solo home run in the sixth inning was a laser, a testament to the power and consistency he's shown all season. Manager A.J. Hinch couldn't help but praise his young star post-game, and for good reason. Greene is not just hitting; he's carrying a significant portion of the offensive load and cementing his place among the AL's elite.
The Tigers were dealt a blow before the first pitch, placing the versatile Matt Vierling on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain. Losing his bat and defensive flexibility hurts. But in his place comes an exciting prospect: Justyn-Henry Malloy. Recalled from Triple-A Toledo where he was slugging his way to a .289 average with 12 homers, Malloy was immediately inserted into the starting lineup in left field. It's a tough situation, but it's a prime opportunity for Malloy to prove he belongs in the big leagues.
While the big-league club took a loss, the future of the organization secured a big win. The Single-A Lakeland Flying Tigers clinched the Florida State League West Division first-half title Friday night, punching their ticket to the postseason. The celebration was sparked, fittingly, by top prospect Max Clark, who homered and drove in three runs. It's a fantastic sign for the health of the farm system, which now boasts three affiliates in playoff position, promising a steady pipeline of talent for years to come.
Despite the loss dropping their record to 48-29, this is no time for panic. As manager A.J. Hinch said, this team knows how to respond to adversity. The loss of Vierling stings, but it opens the door for Malloy. And while Flaherty had a bad night, the continued excellence of Riley Greene and the success in the minor leagues show that the foundation is strong. It's one loss. 'We'll regroup and be ready for tomorrow,' Hinch promised. That's the mentality that will get this team back in the win column.
