DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers pushed their surge to six straight victories Friday night, building a decisive five-run sixth inning and cruising to a 10-2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Big inning changes momentum
The turning point arrived in the bottom of the sixth. After Tim Mayza replaced Phillies starter Aaron Nola, Detroit manufactured runs through a mix of patience, small ball and a key extra-base hit. Riley Greene reached on a walk, Matt Vierling followed with a bases-loaded walk as a pinch-hitter, and Eduardo Valencia delivered an RBI single to make it 3-2.
Following a play that saw a wild throw on a sacrifice bunt allow an extra run, James Outman ripped a two-run triple to center — the first of the Tigers’ big bats in the inning. The run tally continued when Mayza balked, bringing home another runner and closing the six-run frame that put Detroit comfortably ahead.
- Final score: Tigers 10, Phillies 2
- Winning pitcher: Jack Flaherty (3-8; has gone 3-1 in his last six starts)
- Notable hits: James Outman two-run triple; Kevin McGonigle two-run homer; homers by Colt Keith and Spencer Torkelson
Pitching steady, offense timely
Right-hander Jack Flaherty delivered six innings of two-run ball on two hits and three walks while striking out six. His outing extended a stretch of improved results: he has gone 3-1 over his last six starts. The Tigers, who have posted a 22-12 record since June 1, remain six games under .500 at 44-50.
| Pitcher | Line |
|---|---|
| Jack Flaherty | 6 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 3 BB, 6 K |
| Tim Mayza | Allowed the sixth-inning damage (walks, wild throw, balk) |
Offensively, All-Star Kevin McGonigle supplied a two-run homer in the third that initially gave Detroit the lead. McGonigle, who grew up roughly eight miles from Citizens Bank Park, was facing Philadelphia for the first time; he is set to appear at next week’s All-Star Game in the city.
Late insurance and other notes
Detroit added insurance runs in the seventh when Colt Keith and Spencer Torkelson hit solo homers to make the score 10-2. An oddity in the eighth: Philadelphia used backup catcher Garrett Stubbs as a position-player pitcher. Stubbs retired the Tigers on four pitches in what was recorded as his 12th career pitching appearance.
"We got timely hits and our starter gave us length," a team source said after the game.
The three-game series continues Saturday night with Detroit slated to send Casey Mize (4-5, 2.64 ERA) to the mound opposite All-Star Cristopher Sánchez (10-4, 2.62). For fans tracking the club’s trajectory, the Tigers’ run of 22 wins in 34 games since June 1 underscores a club on the move, even as they work back toward .500.
For Detroit neighborhoods where summer baseball is a weekly ritual, the team’s recent form offers optimism: more consistent starting pitching and a lineup getting contributions beyond its All-Star core. The upcoming home-and-away stretch will be an early test of whether this six-game streak is the start of sustained recovery or a bright blip in a longer season.
