Tigers Shut Out Cubs 4-0 Behind Jack Flaherty Gem, Take Series

Sunday, June 8th, 2025

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-0 on Sunday, securing a 2-1 series win. Jack Flaherty delivered a dominant performance on the mound.

With the win, the AL Central-leading Tigers improved their record to 43-24. The NL Central-best Cubs dropped to 40-25. This series marked the first matchup this season between two teams with 40 or more wins, making it a notable early-season clash.

Flaherty earned the win (5-6), allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out nine over his six scoreless innings. The outing continued a strong recent trend for the right-hander; he is now 3-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts in his last four starts after a challenging beginning to the season.

On the Cubs' side, rookie starter Cade Horton (3-1) suffered his first career loss. He pitched six innings, giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks.

The Tigers offense provided early support, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run double by Spencer Torkelson. Detroit extended their lead in the fifth inning when Riley Greene hit another two-run double, bringing the score to its final 4-0.

The Cubs had their best chance to score in the fourth inning. Walks to Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker, followed by a single from Pete Crow-Armstrong, loaded the bases with one out after Kerry Carpenter threw out Happ at the plate. However, Parker Meadows made a crucial jumping catch on a hard-hit liner from Michael Busch to end the threat.

Key Moment

Controversy arose in the fifth inning. After Dansby Swanson hit a leadoff double, Nico Hoerner was called out on strikes on a pitch that appeared low and inside. Hoerner was quickly ejected for arguing the call. Cubs manager Craig Counsell was also ejected shortly after.

Key Stat

The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 40,343 fans, marking the third sellout of the weekend. The series attendance of 121,509 was the second-highest since Comerica Park opened in 2000, highlighting the strong fan interest in this matchup of leading teams.

Up Next

The Chicago Cubs will travel to Philadelphia for a three-game series beginning Monday. Starting pitchers for that series have not yet been announced.

The Detroit Tigers have an off day on Monday. They will return to action on Tuesday, hosting the Baltimore Orioles. Right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (0-0, 7.36 ERA) is the scheduled starter for the Tigers.

In summary

The Detroit Tigers defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-0 to win the three-game series two games to one. Jack Flaherty was the star of the game, pitching six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. Key offensive contributions came from Spencer Torkelson and Riley Greene, who both hit two-run doubles. The game featured a large crowd and an ejection involving Cubs shortstop Nico Hoerner and manager Craig Counsell.

Related Links

• Chicago Cubs News & Updates
• Chicago Cubs Schedule & Scores
• Detroit Tigers News & Updates
• Detroit Tigers Schedule & Scores
• MLB News