Late-night baseball games can be a challenge for fans with early bedtimes, and the Tigers' recent West Coast series didn’t make it any easier. With mixed results so far, the Tigers hit the field on Wednesday aiming to avoid a sweep by the Diamondbacks.
Tarik Skubal was on the mound, a comforting presence for any team looking to snag a win. On the other side, Zac Gallen was hoping to bounce back from a rough season opener.
Gallen started strong, quickly retiring two batters in the first inning. However, Gleyber Torres kept the Tigers alive with a sharp single to left.
Unfortunately, the momentum fizzled, ending the inning quietly. The Diamondbacks wasted no time, as Corbin Carroll launched a one-out solo homer, putting them on the board first.
Skubal managed to settle down and close the inning without further damage.
The Tigers went down in order in the second, while Ildemaro Vargas led off with a single for the DBacks, only to be wiped out by a Nolan Arenado double play.
In the third, Colt Keith's two-out double gave the Tigers a glimmer of hope, but it wasn't enough to spark a rally. In the bottom half, Tim Tawa's leadoff double threatened more trouble, but Skubal skillfully retired the next three batters to keep things tight.
Both teams mirrored each other in the fourth with quick outs, maintaining the scoreline.
The fifth inning saw Matt Vierling challenge a strike call successfully, leading to a single. Yet, the Tigers couldn’t capitalize. The DBacks, too, found baserunners with Arenado's single and a Baez throwing error, but Skubal wriggled out of the jam unscathed.
In the sixth, Kevin McGonigle's first career triple brought some excitement, but a double play off Torres’ bat ended the threat. Carroll singled to start the DBacks' half, but a double play and a groundout quickly followed, showcasing Skubal's resilience.
Gallen exited after six innings, handing the ball to Taylor Clarke. Dillon Dingler managed a single off Clarke, but the Tigers couldn’t bring him home. Skubal finished strong with a 1-2-3 inning, wrapping up his day with a solid line: 7 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, and 3 strikeouts on 87 pitches-a commendable performance despite the early home run.
Juan Morillo took over for the DBacks, quickly dispatching the Tigers in order. Kyle Finnegan came in for Detroit, facing some challenges with two walks, but a pep talk with Dingler helped him close the inning without conceding.
In their final chance, the Tigers faced Jonathan Loaisiga. McGonigle fought hard, delivering a single to center.
However, Torres hit into a double play, stifling the rally. Riley Greene's double into center showed some fight, but Dingler’s groundout sealed the Tigers' fate.
They suffered their first sweep of the season, unable to score in this final game.