Mon Jul 07 23:20:00 UTC 2025: **Tigers Complete Dramatic Sweep of Guardians, Fueled by Skubal’s Dominance and Late-Inning Heroics**
CLEVELAND – The Detroit Tigers (57-34) capped off a stunning sweep of the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, July 6, with a wild 7-2 victory in 10 innings at Progressive Field. The win was a rollercoaster, featuring dominant pitching from Tarik Skubal, clutch hitting from unlikely heroes, and a dramatic late-inning comeback.
Skubal continued his stellar season, throwing seven shutout innings, striking out 10, and extending his unbeaten streak since early April. However, the Tigers found themselves trailing 1-0 heading into the ninth after Cleveland’s Gavin Williams had allowed only one hit.
With the Tigers down to their last strike, Zach McKinstry, pinch-running for Spencer Torkelson, stole second and then scored on a wild pitch to tie the game, sending it to extra innings.
In the 10th, Trey Sweeney, who had been struggling with fastballs, blasted his first career home run off a fastball – only the second homer allowed all season by Cleveland reliever Cade Smith – giving Detroit a 4-1 lead. Riley Greene, mired in a slump, then broke out with a two-run shot, extending the lead to 7-1.
“That was an incredible win for us in dramatic fashion,” said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.
Closer Chase Lee had a shaky ninth inning but ultimately secured the win. Earlier, he relieved Bailey Horn, giving up the first run and Cleveland a 1-0 lead.
The victory exorcised some demons for the Tigers, who had suffered a painful ALDS series loss in Cleveland last October. Adding to the good news, Skubal was named to the All-Star team on Sunday afternoon. However, he said he thought there were more deserving players on the team than the four who were chosen.
The Tigers return to Detroit to face the Tampa Bay Rays on July 7.
First Piper 