It’s an afternoon showdown in Detroit that’s got fans buzzing: the New York Mets are set to wrap up a three-game set against the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Comerica Park. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Eastern Time, and with both teams chasing postseason dreams, the stakes couldn’t be much higher.
For the Mets, this series has been a golden opportunity to bounce back after a tough stretch at home. They dropped three out of four to the Miami Marlins at Citi Field last weekend, a stumble that put pressure on their road trip. But what a turnaround it’s been so far in Detroit! After taking the opener 10-8 on Monday, the Mets exploded for a 12-5 victory Tuesday night, putting themselves in position for a sweep against a Tigers squad that’s been among the best in the league all season.
Wednesday’s pitching matchup features two right-handers with plenty to prove. The Mets hand the ball to Clay Holmes, who enters with an 11-6 record, a 3.60 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, and 111 strikeouts. Holmes has been a stabilizing force in the Mets’ rotation, especially when the team has needed him most. Opposing him is Tigers ace Casey Mize, boasting a 12-5 record, a 3.95 ERA, a matching 1.31 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts. Mize has been a workhorse for Detroit, but he’ll need to be sharp to help the Tigers snap a three-game home losing streak.
Detroit’s recent skid has been a tough pill to swallow for fans. The Tigers, who haven’t won the AL Central since 2014, are still sitting atop their division with an 80-60 record, but they’ve dropped seven of their last nine games. Tuesday’s defeat to the Mets was especially bruising, as Pete Alonso homered twice, Juan Soto went deep for the 37th time this season, and rookie Nolan McLean delivered six strong innings to keep Detroit’s bats quiet. The Tigers’ magic number to clinch the division dropped to 15, thanks to losses by both the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians, but there’s no question the team would rather secure their playoff berth with wins than by relying on rivals to falter.
"We know what’s at stake, and we’re not panicking," Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson said earlier this week, according to the Associated Press. Torkelson’s been a consistent force at the plate, racking up 25 doubles, a triple, 28 home runs, and 71 RBIs so far. Outfielder Riley Greene has also been hot, going 13-for-38 with three doubles and two home runs over his last 10 games.
The Mets, meanwhile, have found their groove at just the right time. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, led by Juan Soto, who’s put up 16 doubles, a triple, and those 37 homers in his first season in New York. Brandon Nimmo’s been equally impressive, going 16-for-39 with four doubles and two homers over the last 10 games. The Mets have gone 6-4 in their last 10, outscoring opponents by 25 runs and boasting a robust .310 team batting average in that span.
Tuesday’s win was a showcase for New York’s power. Pete Alonso’s first homer was a mammoth 435-foot blast to center, and he and Soto went back-to-back in a six-run seventh inning that put the game out of reach. Rookie Nolan McLean, who improved to 4-0 in his first four major league appearances, settled in after a rough start, retiring 14 straight Tigers at one point. Luis Torrens added a three-run homer for good measure, and Jeff McNeil chipped in three hits and three RBIs. The Mets’ 17-hit attack was a season highlight and helped them move five games ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final National League wild card spot.
Injuries have been a storyline for both teams all season. The Tigers are missing key contributors like Matt Vierling (oblique), Paul Sewald (shoulder), Reese Olson (shoulder), Parker Meadows (quadricep), and several others, all on various injured list stints. The Mets’ injury report is just as daunting, with Tyrone Taylor (hamstring), Reed Garrett (elbow), Frankie Montas (elbow), Francisco Alvarez (thumb), and Jesse Winker (back) among the many sidelined. Depth has been tested, and it’s the teams’ ability to adapt that’s kept them in the playoff hunt.
Detroit’s season has been a rollercoaster, but their strengths are clear. They’ve gone 44-27 at home and are a staggering 44-13 in games when they haven’t allowed a home run. Conversely, the Mets thrive when the long ball is flying—they’re 34-15 when hitting two or more homers in a game. With both teams’ power on display, today’s finale could come down to who keeps the ball in the yard.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Tigers are not just battling for the division—they’re also in a tight race with the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League’s best record, which would secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Both teams have 80 wins, but Toronto holds a slight edge in winning percentage (.576 to Detroit’s .571) thanks to playing one fewer game. The Tigers’ remaining schedule is a gauntlet, with 22 games left against teams like the White Sox, Yankees, Marlins, Guardians, Braves, and Red Sox. Their ability to right the ship at home could make all the difference down the stretch.
For the Mets, this series in Detroit is a proving ground. They’re 30-37 on the road but have shown resilience and firepower when it counts. With a playoff spot within reach, every game is critical, and a sweep of the AL Central leaders would send a message to the rest of the league.
As first pitch approaches, all eyes are on Comerica Park. Will the Tigers halt their home skid and inch closer to a long-awaited division crown? Or will the Mets keep rolling, powered by their hot bats and a suddenly surging pitching staff? With both teams’ postseason hopes on the line, expect a fierce battle right up to the final out.
One thing’s for sure: with playoff implications, power hitters on a tear, and two talented starters toeing the rubber, Wednesday’s matinee in Detroit is shaping up to be must-watch baseball. The action is set, the crowd will be loud, and by sundown, the playoff picture might look just a little bit clearer.
