The Detroit Tigers are struggling on the road, highlighted by a 3-2 loss to the New York Mets, where they failed to hit effectively with runners in scoring position. They are 1-for-18 in such situations over the series.
Key points
Detroit Tigers lost 3-2 to New York Mets
Tigers are struggling with runners in scoring position
They are 1-for-18 in scoring position over the series
Current record is 19-24
Inability to hit in clutch moments is a recurring issue
The Tigers couldnât come up with the big hit at the big moment. They got just one hit in nine chances with runners in scoring position on Wednesday.
That brings them, in the first two games of this series, to 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position. Thatâs the fast way to lose a couple of games.
But hereâs the problem: Itâs not just one game.
They are 1-4 on this two-city trip, with one game left (at 1:10 p.m. Thursday).
Zoom back more and they have now lost 12 of 17 games.
During this skid, they have had problems with their pitching as well as their defense.
But right now, it's the offense.
âWe've started to try to do a lot because you try to do something with your opportunities,â Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. âBut there's no quit. There's always the conversation about pressing and trying to do too much and swinging out of the zone or not swinging enough, right now, it feels like all the above.â
They got some fine defense, cutting down runners at the plate, making the routine plays and even some of the hard ones, all without any errors.
Q&A
What are the Detroit Tigers' current road performance issues?
The Tigers are experiencing significant struggles on the road, particularly in clutch situations, failing to hit effectively with runners in scoring position.
How did the Detroit Tigers perform against the New York Mets?
In their recent game against the Mets, the Tigers lost 3-2 and managed only one hit in nine opportunities with runners in scoring position.
What is the Tigers' record as of May 13?
As of May 13, the Detroit Tigers have a record of 19 wins and 24 losses.
What is the significance of hitting with runners in scoring position for the Tigers?
Hitting with runners in scoring position is crucial for the Tigers, as their inability to do so has directly contributed to their losses in recent games.
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Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field.
Detroit Tigers third baseman Colt Keith (33) hits a double against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field.
Detroit Tigers infielder Gage Workman (99) reacts after hitting a double against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field.
Detroit Tigers right fielder Wenceel Perez (46) scores a run on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Spencer Torkelson (not pictured) during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
1 / 5
Tigers take on MLB-worst Mets in New York interleague action
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field.
1 / 5
Tigers take on MLB-worst Mets in New York interleague action
Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler (13) crosses home plate after hitting a solo home run against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field.
2 / 5
Tigers take on MLB-worst Mets in New York interleague action
Detroit Tigers third baseman Colt Keith (33) hits a double against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field.
3 / 5
Tigers take on MLB-worst Mets in New York interleague action
Detroit Tigers infielder Gage Workman (99) reacts after hitting a double against the New York Mets during the second inning at Citi Field.
4 / 5
Tigers take on MLB-worst Mets in New York interleague action
Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field.
5 / 5
Tigers take on MLB-worst Mets in New York interleague action
Detroit Tigers right fielder Wenceel Perez (46) scores a run on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Spencer Torkelson (not pictured) during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
But the hitting.
Ugh.
âThe takeaway is always the competition, whether you won or lost,â Hinch said. âObviously we're having a hard time getting to the finish line feeling good. I mean, there's been a game or two here or there, and then there's been a couple of tough losses like this, so got to fight through it. Obviously need some resolve to get to the finish line feeling a little bit better.â
On the other side, rookie Carson Benge singled to center and fellow rookie A.J. Ewing scored for the Mets.
New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge (3) is doused by his teammates after hitting a game winning RBI single in the 10th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field in New York on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
New York Mets right fielder Carson Benge (3) is doused by his teammates after hitting a game winning RBI single in the 10th inning against the Detroit Tigers at Citi Field in New York on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
âThey came up with contact with their guy on second,â Hinch said. âWe didn't advance our guy in the 10th. When you get to the 10th, obviously, as the visiting team, there's a ton of pressure to do something and we couldn't do anything in that top of the 10th. Honestly, since the first inning, we had a bunch of guys left on base.â
The Tigers did manage eight hits.
But too many guys didnât come through.
âOur guys are fighting,â Hinch said. âThey're trying. Their guys did more than our guys did. So yeah, I was happy with our guys battle all the way to the end.â
So, while Kevin McGonigle was on base three times (two walks) and Dillon Dingler had a pair of hits and Greene had three hits and knocked in two runs, the rest of the Tigers' batting order didnât do much.
âGuys chasing some things and trying to do a little more thanthey're used to, trying to fill some gaps with some guys missing,â Zach McKinstry said. âWe just got to continue to try to put a good brand of baseball out there and have good at bats and just kind of do the guys that are doing well, just allow them to do well. And the pieces behind them need to step up a little bit.â
The Tigers are now 7-18 on the road.
But they are 12-6 at Comerica Park.
McKinstry was asked about that strange yin and yang. He wasnât making excuses, but he did point out the differences of being a visiting team.
âHomefield advantage is definitely a thing,â he said. âThese clubs nowadays have great home sides. ⊠You get all these different machines. On the away side, you have one cage. Guys are hitting at 2 o'clock for a 7 o'clock game, and it's just hard. You don't have the same routine on the road. You're not in the same place. Guys get comfortable at home, and we have such a great facility at home. Guys are able to get their work in and on the road, you don't get that same feeling.â