Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Tigers' pitching saves lack of offense again, strengthening division lead

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 11:45 PM ET

The Detroit Tigers can stack runs when necessary, but haven't needed to during their weekend series with Cleveland. To that end, the Tigers won their second consecutive pitcher's duel on Saturday.

Detroit beat Cleveland 1-0, needing only one second-inning run and just two hits all day to take the game and the series. Saturday's 1-0 victory came after the Tigers won the series opener 2-1.

On Friday, it was a complete effort on the mound, as starter Reese Olson only pitched four innings. Olson was charged with one run off six hits and struck out three, but needed support from three relievers, including two innings from Tyler Holton, for his team to win.

In contrast, Casey Mize pitched a seven-inning shutout. He recorded four strikeouts and only allowed four hits and six total base runners all day.

you showed out today 12 pic.twitter.com/6oaMECepV9
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 6, 2025

Mize, now 9-2 on the year with a 2.63 ERA, has earned a win in four-straight starts.

Luckily for Detroit, they didn't squander Mize's outing since Spencer Torkelson put the only run on the board with a second-inning home run.

Torkelson's bomb was his 20th home run of the season. He has already crushed three so far this month, putting him well on pace to reach and then surpass his current single-season personal best of 31 from 2023.

ever experienced a Tork called by @TarikSkubal?

now you have pic.twitter.com/IioY3q5LJl
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) July 5, 2025

Detroit's propensity to win games in whichever fashion necessary is why they have a stronghold on the American League Central, leading the division by 12.5 games over the Twins, 14 ahead of the Royals and now also 14.5 in front of the Guardians.

The Tigers (56-34) will look to further send a message to the rest of the division by sweeping Cleveland on Sunday afternoon.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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