The Detroit Tigers snapped a brutal six-game losing streak Tuesday night, clawing their way to a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park. This wasn’t just any win, it was the kind of gritty performance that sets up a series clincher, something the Tigers haven’t pulled off since taking two of three from the Cleveland Guardians. With the momentum back on their side, Wednesday afternoon’s matinee is suddenly huge.
Melton Steps Up, But Recent Form is a Question Mark
Right-hander Troy Melton is on the bump for the Tigers in the series finale, and while his season numbers are outstanding at 7-2 with a 1.60 ERA, his last two outings have been a different story. The 25-year-old has hit a bit of a rough patch, allowing six runs, though only three earned, over 10 innings. He’s given up 14 hits, including two home runs, walked four, and struck out seven in that span, leading to a 5.48 FIP. That’s a far cry from the impressive showing he put on in 13 of his previous 14 appearances. The good news? Melton’s longest appearance this summer came against these very Rays back on June 3, when he tossed eight frames of two-run ball, gave up just four hits, one homer, and two walks, while striking out five to earn his second win in a 7-2 victory. He’s faced them before, and he got it done.
Peralta’s Season Has Been a Disaster
Across the diamond for the Rays is fellow righty Freddy Peralta, who’s had a rough go of it all season for two different teams. The 30-year-old has been absolutely brutal since coming to Tampa Bay in a trade from the New York Mets. In just four games and 21 1/3 innings with the Rays, he’s rocking a hideous 7.17 ERA and a 5.76 FIP. He’s allowed 23 hits, five home runs, walked six, struck out 16, and even plunked a pair of batters, taking two losses for his new squad. Peralta did face the Tigers with the Mets back on May 12, tossing six frames of two-run ball, giving up seven hits, one home run, and one walk, striking out seven for his third win in a 10-2 final. But that was a different team, a different time, and his bWAR of -0.9 compared to his 1.0 fWAR tells you everything you need to know about how wild his 2026 has been.
Wednesday afternoon’s 1:10 p.m. ET game at Comerica Park is more than just a regular season tilt, it’s a chance for the Tigers to secure a much-needed series win and build some momentum. Can Melton shake off his recent struggles, or will Peralta somehow find his old form? It’s going to be a battle, and one you won’t want to miss.
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.
Leave a Reply