The Detroit Tigers’ offensive woes continued, resulting in a series loss to the Miami Marlins, who entered Detroit as the worst team in baseball. Following a spectacular pitching performance by Reese Olson that went unrewarded, Casey Mize experienced the same fate. He pitched like an ace in a disheartening 2-0 loss at Comerica Park.

Mize’s Quality Start Overlooked by Offensive Struggles

Casey Mize pitched almost flawlessly, picking up where Olson left off on Tuesday. He allowed just two hits and two runs, both in the first inning, including a 422-foot homer by Bryan De La Cruz, before becoming virtually unhittable.

Casey Mize's 5th and 6th Ks thru 6. pic.twitter.com/v7ZYSQUFee
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 15, 2024

Mize finished his outing with six innings pitched, allowing only those two early hits and striking out six. Despite a solid 3.50 ERA over eight starts, Mize’s efforts were in vain as the Tigers failed to provide any run support, mirroring Olson’s plight the previous night.

Missed Opportunities Haunt Tigers

Detroit’s offense showed a glimmer of potential in the third inning, loading the bases with two outs. However, Rogers managed to strike out Gio Urshela, squashing any hope of a Tigers rally. The pattern repeated in the ninth inning when the Tigers again put two runners on, only for Marlins reliever Tanner Scott to strike out Riley Greene and end the game. The Tigers totaled seven hits—all singles—and were shut out for the 19th consecutive inning.

Series Loss Marks a Low Point

This series against the Marlins highlights a troubling trend for the Tigers, who have now scored one or fewer runs in 12 of their 43 games this season. The lack of offensive production is becoming a critical issue as the team falls below a .500 record for the first time this year. The Marlins, achieving back-to-back shutouts for the first time in four years, underscored the Tigers’ ongoing offensive woes.

What’s Next for the Tigers

With a record of 21-22, the Detroit Tigers are set for a much-needed rest day this Thursday, before embarking on a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, who currently hold a 20-23 record and third place in the NL West.

The series opener on Friday night will feature Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal, a frontrunner for the Cy Young Award. Skubal brings an undefeated 5-0 record, a stellar 2.02 ERA, and 60 strikeouts into the matchup against Diamondbacks’ right-hander Ryne Nelson, who has a 2-2 record and a 5.33 ERA this season.

Following Skubal, Detroit will turn to right-handers Jack Flaherty and Matt Manning to start the second and third games, respectively. After their stint in Arizona, the Tigers will continue their road trip with a three-game series against the AL Central rival Kansas City Royals.