CINCINNATI — The Detroit Tigers watched a hard-fought game slip away in devastating fashion Sunday, surrendering late leads in both the seventh and ninth innings in a 9–8 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
Detroit appeared firmly in control after building an early offensive surge, powered by timely hitting and three home runs. But once again, the bullpen could not hold the line.
The turning point came in the seventh inning, when the Tigers’ relief corps allowed a key rally that erased their advantage. Still, Detroit managed to battle back and keep the game within reach heading into the final frame.
That’s when things unraveled completely.
Closer Kenley Jansen was unable to shut the door in the ninth, allowing the Reds to complete the comeback and hand Detroit a crushing defeat.
Offensively, the Tigers did plenty to win. Riley Greene continued his strong stretch at the plate, going 2-for-5 with a home run and an RBI, providing consistent pressure in the middle of the lineup. Spencer Torkelson delivered another big swing, finishing 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI, while Kerry Carpenter added a key blast of his own, going 1-for-2 with a two-run homer.
On the mound, starter Framber Valdez gave the Tigers a solid outing, working 4.2 innings while allowing two earned runs and striking out four. It was a performance that kept Detroit in position to win — until the bullpen took over.
Detroit’s relief pitching has become an increasing concern, and Sunday’s collapse only amplified those issues. Giving away leads twice in the late innings is the kind of loss that lingers, especially for a team trying to keep pace in a tight division race.
Despite the setback, the Tigers remain in the thick of the American League Central standings. But if they want to stay there, the formula is clear: the bullpen has to be better.
Because on a day when the offense delivers eight runs and multiple home runs, losing isn’t just frustrating — it’s unacceptable.
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