Tigers Waste Early Lead as Jack Flaherty, Defense Fall Apart in Ugly Loss to Mets

Defense Lets the Game Slip Away

Even after Flaherty exited, the Tigers still had opportunities to limit the damage.

Tyler Holton provided relief, and Burch Smith induced what looked like an inning-ending double-play ball to third base.

Instead, Gage Workman threw the ball into right field, allowing the inning to continue and additional runs to score.

It was another costly defensive mistake for a Tigers team that has struggled badly in the field throughout the season.

With injuries forcing players into unfamiliar positions and several regulars underperforming defensively, the Tigers continue to give opponents extra opportunities.

Mets Turn Citi Field Into a Celebration

As Detroit unraveled, the Mets fed off the momentum.

The crowd at Citi Field had plenty to cheer about as New York piled on and turned the night into a celebration.

For the Tigers, it was another game defined by missed opportunities, poor command on the mound, and defensive mistakes that have become far too common.

Player of the Game

Dillon Dingler was the lone bright spot for Detroit, providing an early home run and continuing to deliver at the plate.

Bottom Line

The Tigers did enough early to put themselves in position to win, but they could not capitalize.

Freddy Peralta adjusted, Jack Flaherty struggled to throw strikes, and another defensive lapse helped the Mets pull away.

When a team is already dealing with injuries and inconsistent pitching, fundamental mistakes become even more costly. On Tuesday night in Queens, the Tigers were once again undone by the same issues that have haunted them throughout the season.