Thursday night was a showcase of raw power and pitching prowess across the Detroit Tigers’ farm system, with two standout performances stealing the headlines. In Erie, shortstop Peyton Graham put on a show, launching two solo home runs to power the SeaWolves to a 3-1 victory over the Harrisburg Senators. Graham’s first blast came in the top of the second inning, a no-doubter to left field that marked his first homer of the season. He wasn’t done there—in the fourth, he crushed another solo shot, this time waiting on a breaking ball and sending it deep to the Rally Gally. The back-to-back jacks gave Erie an early 2-1 lead and had fans buzzing about his emerging power stroke.
On the mound, right-hander Malachi Witherspoon was electric, striking out 10 batters over six innings of work. He allowed just two hits and one earned run, keeping the Senators’ lineup off balance with a sharp mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches. Witherspoon’s dominance set the tone, and the bullpen held firm to secure the win. E.J. Exposito added a solo homer in the seventh to extend the lead, giving Erie a comfortable cushion.
Meanwhile, in Toledo, the Mud Hens had a tougher night. Starter Bryan Sammons turned in a solid outing, tossing five innings and allowing just two runs, but the bullpen unraveled in the late innings. The Memphis Redbirds exploded for seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings, turning a 3-2 deficit into an 11-4 blowout. Corey Julks and Cal Stevenson provided early offensive sparks, but the pitching staff couldn’t hold the line. Gage Workman and Eduardo Valencia each singled in the eighth, with Workman scoring on a double play ball for the Hens’ final run.
For Tigers fans, Thursday was a reminder of the depth in the system: Graham’s power surge and Witherspoon’s strikeout stuff are exactly the kind of performances that fuel excitement for the future. Erie’s win keeps them rolling, while Toledo will look to bounce back Friday night at 7:05 p.m. ET. Whether you’re tracking prospects or just love a good home run derby, this was a night to remember in the Tigers’ farm system.