The Detroit Tigers rolled to a 13-6 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Monday in spring training action. Jahmai Jones paced the offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and five RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. Jack Flaherty worked 5.0 innings on the mound, allowing 5 earned runs on 5 hits. The Tigers finished with 13 hits on the day while holding the Phillies to 8. It was an encouraging performance for the Tigers as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
Jahmai Jones was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and five RBI. The ability to drive the ball into the gaps stood out. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Tigers offense.
Kevin McGonigle also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and four RBI, Spencer Torkelson chipped in, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and two RBI, and Riley Greene added to the attack, going 3-for-4. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, Felix Reyes led the Phillies offense with a 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBI day. Otto Kemp also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Justin Crawford added a 1-for-4 effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Tigers pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Jack Flaherty earned the win after having a rough go of it, working 5.0 innings while allowing 5 earned runs on 5 hits with three strikeouts. He threw 71 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 4.0 innings of work, allowing 1 earned run while striking out two. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations.
Among the relievers, Jack Little stood out with 1.0 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Tigers struck first, pushing across seven runs in the first inning. Phillies struck back with three runs in the second. The Tigers answered with a run in the second. The Tigers tacked on three runs in the third. The Tigers pushed across a run in the fifth. Phillies struck back with three runs in the sixth. The Tigers answered with a run in the eighth. The Tigers spread their scoring across five different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Tigers out-hit Phillies 13-8 on the day, with 1 error committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 7,664 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Tigers, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Tigers are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.