DETROIT — In a dazzling display of pitching prowess, Reese Olson led the Detroit Tigers to a commanding 6-0 victory over the San Diego Padres on Wednesday afternoon at Comerica Park. The win not only secured the series for the Tigers but also marked their sixth series win of the season, pushing their record to 15-10.
Olson, the 25-year-old right-hander, showcased his skills by allowing just two hits over 7.1 innings, striking out seven batters and walking one. His performance was a masterclass in efficiency, needing only 85 pitches to navigate the Padres’ lineup. "That was an incredible performance by Reese," said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. "From the get-go, they were going to be very aggressive, so he not only had to throw strikes but also control contact. It just looked like he was in complete control."
The game began with an electric atmosphere as 21,016 fans filled the stands at Comerica Park, eager to witness a showdown against a Padres team that had come in riding high with the best record in baseball. The Tigers struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Gleyber Torres launched a solo home run that traveled 402 feet, setting the tone for the afternoon.
Olson’s mastery on the mound was evident from the start. He threw first-pitch strikes to 22 of the 26 batters he faced, mixing a potent arsenal of 95-mph four-seam fastballs, sinkers, sliders, and changeups. "The changeup and slider were pretty dialed today, command-wise and shape-wise," Olson noted. "We leaned on that and picked our spots with the sinker to get some early outs."
His ability to keep Padres hitters off balance was key, as Olson generated 17 swinging strikes on his changeup and slider. He retired 16 consecutive batters at one point, demonstrating an impressive command of the strike zone. "When Reese is good, he is pounding the strike zone and being relentless with multiple pitches in the strike zone," Hinch added.
In the eighth inning, Olson was on the verge of completing his second career eight-inning outing. However, after walking Oscar Gonzalez and allowing a single to Jose Iglesias, he was pulled from the game. The crowd erupted in applause as Olson exited, having delivered a performance that will be remembered for its brilliance.
Javier Báez, who made a stunning catch in center field, covering 116 feet to snag a deep drive from Tirso Ornelas, provided a highlight reel moment that showcased the Tigers’ defensive prowess. "For a guy who hasn't played that much outfield in his career, to look that comfortable out there and make a play like that, it's really impressive," Olson remarked.
Justyn-Henry Malloy, who had been struggling at the plate, found his rhythm during the game. After a slow start to the season, he blasted his first home run in the fifth inning, a shot that added to the Tigers' lead. He also contributed a double in the seventh that scored Trey Sweeney, followed by an RBI single from Riley Greene.
On the offensive front, the Tigers continued to pile on runs in the eighth inning. Dillon Dingler capped off his stellar day with a two-run homer off lefty reliever Yuki Matsui, bringing the score to 6-0. "We need that," Malloy said of his performance. "I wanted to back (Hart) up a little bit. The first two at-bats I didn't like. He was getting me out front with offspeed pitches. I just shifted my sights a little bit and got a really good pitch to hit."
The Tigers’ offense was a balanced effort, with five of their six runs driven in by right-handed hitters, a crucial factor given the Padres’ lefty-heavy pitching strategy. "The way their 'pen shaped up and the way they used them, our right-handed hitters were going to have to do something today," Hinch explained.
With the victory, the Tigers not only secured their best start in a decade but also did so while dealing with significant injuries, having 12 players on the injured list, including key contributors like Parker Meadows and Matt Vierling. "We're going in to the off-day with a win and a series win against a good team," Hinch said. "We feel really good right now no matter what the lineup is or what the order is or who we put out there. We feel like we should win every series."
As the Tigers prepare for a much-needed off day before facing the Baltimore Orioles, Olson’s performance stands out as a beacon of hope for a team looking to build on its early-season success. With a rotation that now features Olson alongside established stars like Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty, the Tigers are poised to make a significant impact this season.
The Tigers' next matchup is set for Friday, April 25, 2025, at 6:40 p.m. against the Orioles, with right-hander Casey Mize taking the mound. Mize, who has been impressive this season, will look to continue the Tigers’ winning momentum as they aim for a strong finish to the month.
