The Detroit Tigers extended their mid-summer surge on Wednesday, securing a 6-1 victory over the Athletics at Comerica Park. This marked their fourth straight win, their fourth straight series win, and their seventh win in the last eight games, despite an emotional week for the club.
Before the game, Hall of Fame-bound Justin Verlander announced that this would be his final season. In the second inning, All-Star catcher Dillon Dingler had to leave the game after getting hit on his right hand by a foul tip, adding to the week’s challenges, which also saw third base coach Joey Cora depart.
Melton’s Dominant Display
Between the lines, the Tigers remained unfazed and all business. Right-hander Troy Melton delivered a career-best performance, striking out nine in 5.1 innings and being charged with one unearned run, lowering his ERA to 1.82. Melton dominated the Athletics in the early innings with a wicked cutter, ripping it at 94 and 95 mph and using it on four of his nine strikeouts.
Manager AJ Hinch praised his team’s resilience. “We have a tough team,” Hinch stated. “We’re going through a lot, whether it’s the beginning of the season to all the conversation around our team for a few months now to this homestand. But our guys play the game. I appreciate the resiliency of this group. They just continue to put one foot in front of the other.”
Melton shared his focus amidst the distractions: “Once you get in between the lines, you have a job to do. My focus isn’t anywhere except executing the next pitch.” He added that baseball allows players to “block everything else out and play,” a sentiment reflected in the team’s performance.
Pitching Staff in Form
The Tigers are 20-12 since June 1 and are 4.5 games back in the Wild Card race. Verlander noted that “guys are clicking. Guys are healthy. Our rotation is doing what they’re supposed to do, feeding off one another and giving us a chance to win night in and night out.”
This was evident as Tigers’ starting pitchers are on a roll, having allowed four runs or less in 38 of the last 39 games. Melton referenced the depth, stating: “We have a really good starter in the bullpen, too,” referencing Keider Montero, who pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief Wednesday.
He continued: “It’s just awesome to carry the baton from the guy who pitched before me and then pass it on to the next guy and watch them just keep it rolling.”