Tigers Break Losing Streak with 9-3 Victory Over Rays

Riley Greene's impressive performance, featuring three hits, propelled the Detroit Tigers to a 9-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday at Steinbrenner Field. Wenceel Pérez and Parker Meadows also made significant contributions, each hitting home runs and driving in three runs, helping the Tigers snap their three-game losing streak.

Pérez's pivotal two-run homer in the seventh inning off Garrett Cleavinger (0-3) broke a 1-1 tie, shifting the momentum firmly in Detroit's favor. Dillon Dingler added two hits and an RBI, further solidifying the Tigers' position as they maintained the best record in Major League Baseball at 49-30.

Greene's offensive prowess was evident as all three of his hits, including doubles in the second and ninth innings, initiated run-scoring opportunities. His defensive skills shone brightly as well; he made sliding catches to deny Jake Mangum and Junior Caminero of potential extra-base hits. In a remarkable display of athleticism, Greene also retired Brandon Lowe with an acrobatic catch in foul territory during the third inning, nearly tumbling into the Tigers' bullpen.

For Tampa Bay, Yandy Díaz extended his hitting streak to 13 games while Brandon Lowe reached 11 games, both achieving infield singles. Caminero, leading his team, hit his 19th home run of the season and surpassed the 50-RBI mark.

Tigers starter Casey Mize exited the game in the sixth inning after a visit from athletic trainer Kelly Rhoades due to an undisclosed injury. Mize's performance included one run allowed on six hits over five innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.

With two starting pitchers already on the injured list—Jackson Jobe (right elbow surgery) and Reese Olson (right ring finger inflammation)—the Tigers relied on Tyler Holton (3-3), who earned the win in relief.

The Tigers' offense surged during a heavy rainstorm in the ninth inning, where they hit for the cycle in a six-run outburst that broke open a close game. Greene and Spencer Torkelson started the rally with back-to-back doubles, followed by a triple from Javier Báez and a three-run homer from Meadows.

After an 18-minute delay due to the rain, play resumed with Detroit firmly in control. Greene concluded the series batting .600 (6 for 10), scoring five runs with two doubles, two homers, and four RBIs.

Looking ahead, the Tigers will host a series against the Athletics starting Tuesday, with LHP Tarik Subal (8-2, 2.06 ERA) set to face RHP Luis Severino (2-7, 4.42). Meanwhile, Rays RHP Taj Bradley (4-5, 4.95) will start Tuesday at Kansas City against LHP Kris Bubic (6-2, 4.12).