Detroit Tigers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks: Game Review July 28, 2025 at Comerica Park
The Detroit Tigers continued their impressive 2025 campaign with a convincing 5-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night at Comerica Park, delighting the 23,124 fans in attendance on a perfect summer evening in Detroit.
Game Summary
Final Score: Detroit Tigers 5, Arizona Diamondbacks 1
Starting Pitchers
- Detroit Tigers: Troy Melton (1-1, 4.50 ERA entering the game)
- Arizona Diamondbacks: Eduardo Rodriguez (3-7, 5.63 ERA)
Game Highlights
The story of the night was undoubtedly rookie Troy Melton, making just his second career MLB start. The 24-year-old right-hander delivered a masterful performance, throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing just five singles and recording five strikeouts. Most impressively, Melton didn’t issue a single walk, showing remarkable poise and command for a pitcher with such limited major league experience.
The Tigers’ offense provided plenty of support, jumping on former Detroit ace Eduardo Rodriguez early. Spencer Torkelson got things started in the first inning with an RBI single that scored Riley Jones, with Torkelson advancing to third on a throwing error by Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas.
Detroit continued to build their lead with Javier Báez driving in Andy Ibáñez in the second inning. The Tigers broke the game open in the fourth with Ibáñez launching a solo home run to left field (391 feet) and Matt Vierling doubling to score Dillon Dingler. Dingler later added a solo home run of his own in the sixth inning, pushing the score to 5-0.
Arizona’s lone run came in the eighth inning when Alek Thomas hit a solo home run to right-center field, but it was too little, too late for the Diamondbacks.
Standout Performances
Troy Melton (DET): The rookie pitcher was the star of the show, becoming the third consecutive Tigers starter to toss six or more scoreless innings, joining Tarik Skubal and Jack Flaherty in a feat that hadn’t been accomplished by Detroit pitchers since 1949. Melton’s arsenal was on full display as he mixed a high-powered fastball (reaching 98 mph) with a well-spotted cutter and effective slider that kept Arizona hitters off balance all night.
Dillon Dingler (DET): The Tigers’ catcher not only called a brilliant game behind the plate but also contributed significantly on offense with a home run and scoring twice.
Andy Ibáñez (DET): Had a perfect night at the plate, including a solo home run and scoring twice.
Key Moments
- First Inning Breakthrough: Torkelson’s RBI single and the subsequent throwing error immediately put Arizona on their heels and set the tone for the game.
- Fourth Inning Rally: The back-to-back scoring plays (Ibáñez’s homer followed by Vierling’s RBI double) effectively sealed the game by giving Detroit a commanding 4-0 lead.
- Melton’s Escape in the First: After allowing a leadoff single to Corbin Carroll, who advanced to second base, Melton showed his composure by striking out Eugenio Suárez with a slider to end the threat.
- Strike ‘Em Out, Throw ‘Em Out Double Play: In the second inning, Melton and Dingler combined for a momentum-building double play when Melton struck out Tristin English with a 98 mph fastball and Dingler threw out a runner attempting to steal.
Comerica Park Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Comerica Park was electric, particularly as fans began to realize they were witnessing something special from rookie Troy Melton. When manager A.J. Hinch removed Melton after seven stellar innings, the crowd rose for a standing ovation, showing their appreciation for the young pitcher’s outstanding performance. The game lasted a brisk 2 hours and 10 minutes, providing fans with an entertaining and efficiently played contest on a Monday evening.
The victory improved the Tigers’ record to 62-46, maintaining their lead in the American League Central and continuing to build momentum toward what Detroit fans hope will be a postseason appearance.