Tigers Dominate Cubs 4-0, Solidifying AL Central Lead

Jack Flaherty delivered a stellar performance, striking out nine batters over six innings, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 4-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs on Sunday. This win allowed the Tigers to clinch two out of three games in a series featuring two of Major League Baseball's top teams.

With this victory, the Tigers, now at 43-24, maintain their position atop the American League Central. Meanwhile, the Cubs, who lead the National League Central, fell to 40-25. Notably, this matchup marked the earliest meeting of 40-win teams since 2004, as noted by the Elias Sports Bureau. Last season, the first such game occurred on June 8 between the Yankees and Dodgers.

Flaherty (5-6) allowed only two hits and three walks during his outing. After a challenging start to the season, the 29-year-old right-hander has turned things around, boasting a record of 3-1 with a remarkable 1.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts across his last four starts.

On the other side, Cubs rookie starter Cade Horton (3-1) faced his first career loss, surrendering four runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings.

The Tigers jumped ahead early with a two-run double from Spencer Torkelson in the first inning. Flaherty quickly found his rhythm, retiring the first nine batters he faced.

In the fourth inning, the Cubs attempted to rally, managing four baserunners but failing to capitalize. Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker opened with walks, followed by Pete Crow-Armstrong's single to right field. However, right fielder Kerry Carpenter's throw cut down Happ at home plate. Carson Kelly then walked to load the bases, but Parker Meadows made a spectacular jumping catch on Michael Busch's hard-hit liner to center field.

The Tigers extended their lead in the fifth inning with another two-run double, this time from Riley Greene.

After Dansby Swanson's lead-off double in the fifth, Nico Hoerner faced a 2-2 pitch that Statcast indicated was low and inside. Home plate umpire Derek Thomas called it strike three, leading to Hoerner's ejection after he voiced his displeasure. Cubs manager Craig Counsell also received an ejection during the ensuing argument.

The game attracted a crowd of 40,343, marking the third sellout of the weekend for the Tigers, who had previously sold out only two games this season. The total attendance for the weekend reached 121,509, making it the second-highest series attendance since Comerica Park opened in 2000, just behind last year's season-ending series against the White Sox.

Looking ahead, the Cubs will head to Philadelphia for a three-game series starting Monday, with starting pitchers yet to be announced. The Tigers will have a day off before RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long (0-0, 7.36) is set to take the mound against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday.