The Detroit Tigers are locked and loaded for a pivotal Sunday night showdown at Comerica Park, aiming to clinch the weekend series against the Texas Rangers after a commanding 5-1 victory on Saturday. Keider Montero delivered a gritty performance, tossing 6⅓ innings of one-run ball, while Dillon Dingler’s three-run blast in the first inning set the tone early. Now, with the series tied 1-1, the Tigers are hungry to seize control.
Sunday’s rubber match brings an intriguing pitching matchup, as the Tigers turn to left-hander Tyler Holton in what’s expected to be an opener role. With Casey Mize sidelined due to a groin injury, Holton steps into the spotlight—though he’s been a mixed bag this season. Through his first seven outings, Holton was untouchable, allowing zero runs on just four hits and four walks while striking out five over seven innings. But his last six appearances have been a different story, with a 12.00 ERA and 8.14 FIP, surrendering 13 hits (including two homers) and four walks. He’s averaged exactly one inning per outing, typically entering in the seventh or later, so expect the Tigers’ bullpen to be heavily involved.
On the other side, the Rangers counter with right-hander Jack Leiter, a fellow struggling arm looking to find his footing. Leiter has logged at least five innings in five of his six starts, but after a promising start to the season—allowing just three runs in his first 11 innings—he’s hit a rough patch. Over his last 20⅓ frames, he’s posted a 6.64 ERA and 6.53 FIP. Tigers fans may recall Leiter’s major league debut on April 4, 2023, in Detroit, where he was shelled for seven runs on eight hits and three walks over just 3⅔ innings in a 9-7 Texas loss. Can the Tigers replicate that success?
The game is set for a 7:20 p.m. ET start at Comerica Park, with coverage on NBC Sports Network and Peacock. For the latest updates, keep an eye on Lone Star Ball and the Tigers Radio Network. Whether you’re gearing up for the game in your favorite Tigers gear or just enjoying the spring baseball vibes, this one promises plenty of drama as both teams battle for series supremacy.