Hao-Yu Lee, Keider Montero lead Tigers to 5-1 win over Cubs Chicago — The Detroit Tigers secured a 5-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, capping a successful four-game road trip with a decisive performance from rookie Hao-Yu Lee and a strong start from Keider Montero. The win extended the Tigers’ winning streak to 13 games in their last 18 contests and marked their first four-game road series win since May-June 2025. Manager AJ Hinch praised the team’s execution, calling the game “well-played” and highlighting the pitching staff’s dominance. Lee, a 23-year-old rookie from Taiwan, became the game’s hero with a three-run, tie-breaking home run in the fourth inning. The blast, hit off Cubs starter Colin Rea, narrowly cleared the left-center bleachers at Wrigley Field. The drive, which came on a 3-0 fastball, marked Lee’s fifth home run of the season and his first since being recalled from Triple-A Toledo on June 13. “I was just looking for a fastball and try to get relaxed and not do too much,” Lee said after the game. “In my first at-bat, when it went from 0-2 to 3-2, he threw down the middle. So on the second at-bat, I had it 3-0, and I think the pitcher doesn’t want to give a walk, so he wanted to throw it in.” Lee’s performance was part of a strong showing for the Tigers, who had been relying on backup second baseman Hao-Yu Lee after Gleyber Torres returned from a second stint on the injured list with a left oblique strain. Torres, who had missed time since June 15, was eased back into the lineup, playing in two games during the series. Lee, in his second tour with the Tigers this season, extended his hitting streak to seven games and raised his batting average to .256. Hinch credited Lee’s confidence and preparation for his success. “He knows he belongs,” Hinch said. “He knows he can play here.#chicago_cubs #detroit_tigers #aj_hinch #keider_montero #haoyu_lee
Tarik Skubal's Edge Revives Detroit Tigers' Fight Against White Sox The Detroit Tigers’ season teetered on the edge of collapse as they faced the Chicago White Sox in a high-stakes matchup Friday night. With the game hanging in the balance, ace pitcher Tarik Skubal delivered a performance that, while not flawless, reignited the team’s fading fighting spirit. The tension between the clubs spilled into the dugouts, with Skubal exchanging heated words with White Sox pitcher Mike Vasil, a moment that underscored the emotional intensity of the Tigers’ playoff push. The game’s pivotal moment came in the fifth inning when the bases were loaded. Skubal, known for his fiery demeanor, struck out Colson Montgomery with a sharp changeup, ending the inning with a booming yell that signaled his dominance. The tension escalated as Skubal pointed toward Vasil’s dugout, sparking a verbal exchange that drew the attention of umpires. Vasil, who had been cheering for the Tigers from the dugout, described the encounter as a “good stuff” exchange, though he admitted it was “pretty choice words” on both sides. Manager A.J. Hinch later noted he had no insight into the source of the conflict, emphasizing that the dugout chatter was a common occurrence in high-pressure games. Despite the pregame drama, Skubal’s performance on the mound was a mixed bag. The right-hander lasted 5 2/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs and allowing seven hits. His fastball averaged 96.7 mph, a slight drop from his first start back from injury, but his command showed improvement. However, Skubal struggled with two-strike counts, giving up a first-inning home run to Randal Grichuk on a changeup and allowing several dangerous swings from the White Sox.#detroit_tigers #tarik_skubal #chicago_white_sox #aj_hinch #mike_vasil
Tigers, Gleyber Torres both feeling pain of his prolonged absence The Detroit Tigers' recent 2-15 skid into the doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles has been attributed not only to Tarik Skubal’s injury but also to the absence of second baseman Gleyber Torres, who has been sidelined since May 4. Manager AJ Hinch emphasized that Torres’ absence has disrupted the team’s offensive rhythm, particularly due to his consistent on-base skills and ability to extend at-bats. Without him, the Tigers have averaged 2.4 runs per game, hit below .200, and ranked last in the league in home runs during this stretch. Torres, who was placed on the injured list with a left oblique strain, has not played since May 2. His absence has led to a significant drop in offensive production, with the team recording seven or fewer hits in nine games before Sunday’s matchup. This marks only the second time in franchise history that the Tigers have endured such a prolonged hitting slump, with the previous instance occurring during their 1968 championship season. Since May 4, the Tigers have managed just 15 hits in 115 at-bats with runners in scoring position, including eight games where they failed to record a hit in critical situations. Hinch highlighted how Torres’ presence has been a stabilizing force in the lineup. “If you just take one skill of the many that he has, the on-base, the consistent at-bat, the longer at-bat — there’s always a hit in there. Even on his bad days, he’s going to find a way to get on base or get a hit. That’s a very stable thing to have at the top of our order,” Hinch said. The loss of Torres has forced adjustments in the batting order, moving Dillon Dingler up toward the top of the lineup and elevating Colt Keith to the No. 6 spot.#detroit_tigers #baltimore_orioles #gleyber_torres #lakeland #aj_hinch
Atlanta Braves beat Detroit Tigers despite Tarik Skubal's strong start The Atlanta Braves secured a 4-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on April 29, 2026, despite a dominant performance from Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal. The game, played at Truist Park, ended with a walk-off home run by Matt Olson in the ninth inning, capping a dramatic night for both teams. Olson’s two-run shot off reliever Kenley Jansen sent the Braves to a win, extending their record against the Tigers and dropping the Tigers to 15-16 on the season. Skubal, the reigning two-time Cy Young winner, pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. His performance was bolstered by stellar defensive plays from the Tigers’ infield, particularly third baseman Colt Keith, who made several key stops to keep the Braves’ offense in check. However, the Tigers’ struggles at the plate proved costly, as they managed only three runs in the first three innings and just one hit the rest of the way. The game’s turning point came in the eighth inning when the Tigers’ bullpen faltered. After Kyle Finnegan issued two two-out walks, the Braves’ lineup capitalized on the free bases, setting the stage for Olson’s heroics. Jansen, who had been dominant in previous games, walked leadoff hitter Ozzie Albies to start the ninth inning, putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense. Olson then launched a middle-middle cutter into the bullpen, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing the win for the Braves. Skubal’s performance was highlighted by his ability to adjust to the Braves’ offensive threats. After allowing a two-run homer in the first inning, he settled into a rhythm, using his fastball and breaking balls to keep the Braves’ hitters off balance.#detroit_tigers #atlanta_braves #tarik_skubal #matt_olson #aj_hinch
