Matt Vierling’s Late Three-Run Homer Lifts Detroit Tigers to 6-5 Comeback Win Over Los Angeles Angels

Friday, August 8th, 2025

Detroit Tigers Rally in the Eighth Inning to Defeat Los Angeles Angels 6-5

The Detroit Tigers staged a dramatic late-game comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Angels 6-5 on Friday night at Comerica Park. Matt Vierling delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer in the eighth inning, turning the game in Detroit’s favor and ending a two-game skid for the Tigers.

Tigers Turn it Around in the Eighth

Trailing 5-3 in the eighth, the Tigers took advantage of control issues from Angels reliever Reid Detmers. Detmers (3-3) issued back-to-back walks to pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones and Gleyber Torres, setting the stage for Matt Vierling. Pinch-hitting for Kerry Carpenter, Vierling launched his first home run of the season over the bullpen in left field, giving Detroit a 6-5 lead they would not surrender.

Angels' Mid-Game Power Surge

Tigers starter Tarik Skubal worked through the early innings but ran into trouble in the fifth. With Detroit leading 3-1, Gustavo Campero belted a two-run homer to left, tying the game. Just two pitches later, Zach Neto hit his second homer of the season off Skubal, pushing the Angels ahead 4-3. After a strikeout, Mike Trout’s infield single knocked Skubal out of the game, marking his shortest outing this year.

Detroit Answers Back

Despite falling behind, the Tigers bullpen, led by Troy Melton (2-1), kept them in the game. Melton provided 2 1/3 innings of solid relief to pick up the win. Kyle Finnegan, recently named the Tigers’ closer, secured his 23rd save with a scoreless ninth inning to seal the victory.

Early Action Sets the Tone

The Angels jumped ahead early with an RBI double from Logan O'Hoppe in the second inning. Detroit responded with three runs in the bottom half: Spencer Torkelson led off with his 25th homer, Riley Greene singled and advanced to third on Zach McKinstry’s double, and Javier Báez capped the rally with a two-run bloop single to left.

Angels Attempt to Pull Away

In the top of the eighth, Jo Adell connected for his 24th home run of the season, giving the Angels a 5-3 lead. However, the Tigers' late-inning resilience proved decisive.

Injury Scare for Angels

The game experienced a brief delay in the third inning after Angels center fielder Bryce Teodosio collided with the fence while catching a fly ball. Teodosio remained in the game for the remainder of the inning but was replaced by Campero in the fourth.

Key Moment

With one out and a runner on first in the seventh inning, Zach Neto smoked a 106.7-mph line drive to left field, but Riley Greene made a diving catch to help reliever Troy Melton escape the jam and keep Detroit within striking distance.

Key Stat

This game marked the first time since July 25, 2021, that Tigers ace Tarik Skubal surrendered back-to-back home runs—encountering a similar fate against the Kansas City Royals during that 2021 matchup.

Up Next

The series continues Saturday evening as Detroit sends right-hander Charlie Morton (7-9, 5.20 ERA) to the mound to face Angels lefty Yusei Kikuchi (5-7, 3.22 ERA) for game two of this weekend set.

In summary

The Detroit Tigers secured a thrilling 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels thanks to Matt Vierling’s dramatic three-run homer in the eighth inning. Key contributions from the Tigers' bullpen and clutch defense helped erase a late Angels lead, keeping the Tigers’ hopes alive as the series continues. With power hitting on both sides and significant moments throughout the game, Detroit’s comeback showcases their resilience and sets up another compelling clash in the series.

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