Skubal's Gem, Baez's Four RBIs Lift Tigers Past Phillies 7-5

Saturday, August 2nd, 2025

Detroit Tigers Defeat Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 in Thrilling Saturday Showdown (2025-08-02)

PHILADELPHIA – The Detroit Tigers secured a 7-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, August 2, 2025, in a game highlighted by a strong outing from All-Star starter Tarik Skubal and a dominant offensive performance by Javier Baez.

Tarik Skubal (11-3) earned his first win since June, delivering a stellar performance by limiting the Phillies (62-48) to just three runs and five hits over seven innings. He struck out 10 batters, including six of the first seven he faced, maintaining his strong form until the seventh inning.

With the AL Central-leading Tigers holding a 5-0 advantage, the Phillies mounted a comeback in the seventh. Bryce Harper started with a single, followed by an RBI double from J.T. Realmuto. Nick Castellanos then launched a two-run home run to center, narrowing Detroit’s lead to 5-3.

Javier Baez extended Detroit’s lead in the eighth with a crucial two-run double. However, Bryce Harper, who finished with three hits, responded with a two-out, two-run home run off reliever Will Vest, marking his 18th of the season and keeping the Phillies within striking distance.

Despite the late surge from Philadelphia, Detroit’s Kyle Finnegan closed out the game, securing a four-out save to preserve the Tigers’ victory.

Phillies ace Zack Wheeler (9-5) suffered the loss, surrendering a season-high three home runs. Colt Keith and Kerry Carpenter hit solo shots off him in the third inning, and Javier Baez added a two-run blast in the seventh.

Colt Keith and Wenceel Perez were instrumental in the Tigers’ (65-47) offense, each collecting three hits in the contest.

Key Moment

The Phillies threatened in the sixth inning when Weston Wilson hit a double off the top of the fence, marking Philadelphia’s second hit of the game. With two outs, Kyle Schwarber hit a high foul pop that Tigers left fielder Riley Greene snagged with a long-distance sprint and a brilliant sliding catch, ending the threat.

Key Stat

Zack Wheeler gave up a season-high three home runs to the Tigers. This was only the second time he had allowed more than one homer in a game this season, the previous instance being on July 12 in San Diego where the Padres hit two in a 5-4 victory.

Up Next

The series between the Tigers and Phillies concludes on Sunday. Detroit veteran right-hander Charlie Morton (7-8, 5.42 ERA) is slated to face Phillies lefty Cristopher Sanchez (9-3, 2.55 ERA).

In summary

On August 2, 2025, the Detroit Tigers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5. Tigers All-Star pitcher Tarik Skubal earned his 11th win, striking out 10 over seven innings. Javier Baez led the Tigers' offense with a home run, a double, and four RBIs. Colt Keith and Kerry Carpenter also contributed solo home runs. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler took the loss, giving up a season-high three homers. Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run for the Phillies in a late comeback effort. Kyle Finnegan closed the game for Detroit with a four-out save. The win improved the Tigers' record to 65-47, while the Phillies dropped to 62-48. The series concludes tomorrow with Charlie Morton pitching for Detroit and Cristopher Sanchez starting for Philadelphia.

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