On a lively Friday night at Comerica Park, the Detroit Tigers showcased their dominance in an emphatic 11-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, extending their stronghold atop the AL Central and reinforcing their reputation as one of baseball’s premier teams this season.
The matchup, which kicked off a pivotal three-game series between these two clubs, featured starting pitchers Brant Hurter for Detroit and Nick Martinez for Cincinnati. Hurter, a left-hander known for his effective opener role, entered the game with a stellar 1.75 ERA across 36 innings this season, while Martinez, a steady arm for the Reds, carried a 3.70 ERA but had struggled away from home, posting a 4.76 ERA on the road.
Detroit’s home dominance was on full display, as the Tigers improved their record at Comerica Park to an impressive 24-9, continuing to leverage their second-best home record in Major League Baseball. The atmosphere was electric, with fans witnessing a lineup firing on all cylinders, highlighted by power hitters like Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson.
The Tigers wasted no time asserting control. Early fireworks came from Gleyber Torres, who celebrated a home run in the first inning, setting the tone for Detroit’s offense. Riley Greene followed suit with a home run in the third inning, further energizing the home crowd. Javier Báez added a solo shot in the fourth inning, showcasing the depth of Detroit’s power hitters.
Spencer Torkelson, a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offense, continued his impressive campaign, boasting 16 home runs and a .498 slugging percentage against right-handed pitchers entering the game. His ability to capitalize on Martinez’s flyball tendencies proved crucial. Riley Greene’s .485 slugging percentage and timely hitting played a significant role as well, driving in multiple runs, including a pivotal double in the sixth inning that brought in three runs.
Detroit’s offense was relentless, with Jahmai Jones and Wenceel Perez contributing to the scoring surge. The Tigers’ lineup, known for its clutch hitting, managed to generate runs consistently, even as the Reds tried to mount a comeback.
On the mound, Brant Hurter delivered a strong performance in his role as an opener, setting the tone with solid command and limiting the Reds’ scoring opportunities early on. Right-hander Keider Montero followed, expected to handle the bulk of the workload, and lived up to expectations with a 3.12 ERA at home and an ability to suppress hard contact, boasting an 85th percentile barrel rate and a 44.5% groundball rate. Montero’s performance was pivotal in maintaining Detroit’s lead through the middle innings.
The Reds, led by shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who entered the game with 13 home runs and a three-game hitting streak, fought back valiantly. De La Cruz celebrated a home run in the fifth inning and later hit a one-run double in the ninth, showcasing his offensive prowess. TJ Friedl and Christian Encarnacion-Strand also contributed, with Friedl hitting a home run in the third inning.
However, Cincinnati’s pitching staff struggled to contain the Tigers’ potent offense. Nick Martinez, despite a recent stretch of improved performances and a solid outing against Arizona, found himself challenged by Detroit’s lineup, particularly at Comerica Park, which has historically favored the Tigers’ hitters. Martinez was replaced after the fourth inning as the Reds sought to stem the tide.
Detroit’s bullpen, ranked among the top 10 in MLB with a 3.41 ERA, showcased its depth and effectiveness, shutting down Cincinnati’s late-inning rallies. Pitchers Matt Gage and John Brebbia were instrumental in closing out the game, ensuring the Tigers held onto their substantial lead.
The victory bolstered Detroit’s standing as the top team in the American League, now boasting a formidable 46-25 record. The Tigers sit eight games ahead of the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central, asserting themselves as clear favorites for the division title. Meanwhile, the Reds, with a 35-35 record, remain in the hunt for a National League Wild Card spot but face challenges in overcoming their inconsistent road performances, now marked by a 4-10 record in their last 14 games against AL Central opponents.
Manager A.J. Hinch of the Tigers was seen encouraging his players throughout the game, including a notable moment in the sixth inning when he tapped pitcher Keider Montero on the chest, signaling confidence in his performance. On the other side, Reds manager Terry Francona was spotted strategizing amidst the mounting pressure as his team struggled to contain Detroit’s offense.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are set to continue their home stand against the Reds, with upcoming matchups promising more high-stakes baseball. Detroit’s lineup, bolstered by the consistent production of players like Torkelson, Greene, and Báez, combined with a strong pitching staff, positions them as a formidable force in the league.
Fans can catch the rest of the series live on FanDuel Sports Network and streaming platforms like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream, ensuring widespread access to one of the season’s most compelling matchups.
The Tigers’ comprehensive 11-5 win over the Reds on June 13, 2025, at Comerica Park not only reinforced their dominance at home but also underscored their status as a powerhouse in Major League Baseball. With their potent offense and deep pitching staff, Detroit looks poised to maintain their lead in the AL Central and make a strong push toward the postseason.
