The 2026 MLB regular season is about to wrap up, and on Sunday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers are stepping onto their home turf at Comerica Park for their last game. They’re eyeing a massive sweep against their designated interleague rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Tigers have already snagged the first two wins of the series, and you know the energy is electric in Detroit as they push for a clean three-game sweep to close out the year with a roaring statement for the home crowd.
Last Chance to Make a Statement
This isn’t just any game, folks; it’s Game 162, the official curtain call for the 2026 campaign. For the Detroit Tigers, they’re sending right-hander River Ryan to the bump for only his second start ever in the Olde English D. He’s still got that pristine 0-0 record and a gleaming 0.00 ERA from his single prior appearance this season. In those three innings, he showed some serious promise, racking up an impressive 25.0 K% and a solid 8.3 BB%. With a 25.0 GB% and a 2.10 FIP, all adding up to 0.1 fWAR, Ryan’s got a real chance to solidify his spot as a future contributor and head into the offseason on a high note.
Jones’s Unbelievable September Run
The Pirates are trotting out righty Jared Jones for his 21st start of his sophomore campaign, and let me tell you, this kid has been on a tear in September. While his full season numbers show a respectable 5-6 record with a 3.87 ERA across 97.2 innings, including a strong 29.4 K% and a tight 7.7 BB%, his performance over the last month has been simply out of this world. Over his most recent four starts, covering 25 innings of work, Jones has dominated. He’s posted a microscopic 1.08 ERA and an insane 0.78 FIP. We’re talking about a pitcher who’s allowed just 12 hits and four walks, all while striking out a jaw-dropping 35 batters in that stretch. He’s personally secured three wins for his team (though the team dropped the fourth). He’s boasting a 2.5 fWAR for the season, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Closing the Book on 2026
The Tigers roll into this final matchup with a fighting 81-80 record, eager to push themselves further above the .500 mark and secure that sweep for the fans. It’s about pride and momentum heading into next year. The Pirates, sitting at 76-85, would love nothing more than to play spoiler and end their season on a victorious note, especially with Jones pitching lights out. This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle for bragging rights, kicking off at 3:10 p.m. ET from Comerica Park.
And while those teams finish their seasons, you know what’s got us buzzing here in the Emerald City? Our very own Seattle Mariners just took care of business, shutting down the Los Angeles Angels with a decisive 8-4 victory! As for Detroit and Pittsburgh, while they head into the offseason, we’ll be tracking every move and dreaming about who carries this late-season fire into next year. Go M’s!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bless You Boys.
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