The Cubs vs Tigers clash at Comerica Park on Friday, June 6, 2025, delivered the high-intensity baseball fans hoped for. With the Detroit Tigers defeating the Chicago Cubs 3-1, the game showcased elite pitching, timely hitting, and electrifying defense. Both teams came into the matchup as playoff contenders, but it was the Tigers who set the tone early and held off a late Cubs push.
Tigers Ride Skubal’s Arm to Victory
Tarik Skubal was nothing short of sensational on the mound for Detroit. The left-hander continued his Cy Young-worthy campaign by collecting his 100th strikeout of the season in the first inning. He struck out seven batters in six innings and gave up only one run, lowering his ERA to a blistering 2.26.
- Skubal’s Key Stats:
- 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
- Now leads the AL in strikeouts with 106
- Scoreless streak extended to 16 innings
The Tigers’ coaching staff gave Skubal a standing ovation as he walked off the mound, and fans responded with thunderous applause. The Cubs had no answers for his command and velocity.
On the other side, Cubs starter Ben Brown performed admirably, striking out six in just over five innings. However, a pair of solo home runs—one in the fifth and another in the sixth—proved costly as Detroit pulled ahead and never looked back.
Javier Báez and Defense Steal the Show
The Cubs vs Tigers game wasn’t just about pitching. It featured defensive gems that left fans in awe. None more impressive than Javier Báez, the Tigers shortstop and former Cub, who made a highlight-reel play in the fourth inning. Sliding across the infield, he gloved a sharply hit ground ball and fired a strike to first base, beating the runner by half a step.
Detroit’s defense didn’t stop there:
- Key Defensive Plays:
- Riley Greene robbed extra bases with a leaping grab at the center field wall.
- Gio Urshela turned a tough double play with runners on base.
- Tigers allowed no errors the entire game.
The Cubs, despite making solid contact at times, couldn’t string together enough momentum thanks to the airtight Tigers’ defense.
Offense: Just Enough to Seal It
Offensively, the Tigers made their hits count. They only recorded six total hits, but two were home runs. A solo shot in the fifth broke the deadlock, and after the Cubs tied it in the sixth, another long ball immediately reclaimed the lead.
Chicago’s lone run came off a clutch RBI double from Kyle Tucker, who drove in rookie Matt Shaw. That brief spark gave Cubs fans hope, but Detroit’s bullpen shut the door with three clean innings.
Detroit Tigers Key Hitters:
- Kerry Carpenter: 1-for-4, HR
- Colt Keith: 2-for-3, 1 R
- Akil Baddoo: 1-for-3, RBI
What’s Ahead for Cubs vs Tigers
Game 2 of the Cubs vs Tigers series is set for Saturday, with first pitch at 6:40 PM ET. The Cubs are expected to send Jordan Wicks to the mound, while the Tigers will counter with Casey Mize.
With both teams fighting for position in their respective divisions, this interleague showdown is more than just a June series—it’s a statement. The Tigers now hold a 42-23 record and have won six of their last seven. The Cubs, at 39-24, will look to rebound quickly and even the series.
Key Storylines to Watch:
- Can the Cubs break through Detroit’s bullpen?
- Will Skubal continue to lead AL Cy Young discussions?
- How will Báez perform against his former team the rest of the series?
Don’t miss the rest of this thrilling Cubs vs Tigers series as it continues to unfold in Detroit. With playoff implications on the line and rising stars on both rosters, every pitch matters.
Catch the action, cheer for your team, and stay locked in for more updates from this tightly matched interleague battle.
Don’t miss Game 2—tune in and witness one of the best cross-league matchups this weekend. Subscribe to your team alerts, follow the highlights, and stay updated on every inning.