Javier Báez shines with two home runs in Tigers' triumph over Pirates

On June 18, 2025, in a Major League Baseball game in Detroit, Javier Báez showcased his hitting prowess by hitting two home runs, contributing to the Detroit Tigers' 7-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This game marked a significant achievement for Báez, as it coincided with him reaching 10 years of major league service, a milestone he achieved during his game 1,284. Báez's home runs came in the fifth and seventh innings, helping the Tigers to overcome an early deficit after the Pirates took the lead in the second inning. The Tigers managed to score four home runs in total, with Wenceel Pérez and Riley Greene also contributing to the scoreboard. Starting pitcher Casey Mize was instrumental in securing the win, allowing three runs—two earned—over six innings of work while striking out four batters without issuing a walk. The game unfolded with the Pirates initially taking a 1-0 lead when Spencer Horwitz singled and subsequently scored on Adam Frazier's groundout. However, the Tigers responded by scoring twice in the bottom of the second, primarily due to Pérez's home run. The back-and-forth continued with Alexander Canario's two-run single putting the Pirates back ahead 3-2 in the third inning, only for Báez to tie the game again with his home run in the fifth. After taking the lead with an RBI triple from Pérez in the sixth, Báez further extended the Tigers' lead with a leadoff homer in the seventh inning. Greene capped the scoring by hitting a 436-foot home run later that inning, solidifying the Tigers' win. This victory was especially meaningful for Báez, who had previously faced challenges during his time with the Tigers. As a two-time All-Star coming into the team, he initially struggled significantly, facing criticism from fans and going through a difficult phase in his career. Despite these obstacles, Báez worked on refining his game, successfully adjusting his approach at the plate and regaining his status as a key player. The Tigers had seen improvement over the last year, and their resilience without their highest-paid player, who had been injured, helped establish a positive trajectory for the team. The Tigers are set to play the second game of the series against the Pirates, with Tarik Skubal scheduled to pitch. His impressive record of 7-2 and ERA of 1.99 gives the Tigers a promising outlook as they seek to secure another win and continue building on their recent successes. The coming games will be critical as the team looks to maintain momentum and pursue playoff aspirations, making Báez's newfound performance and impact even more crucial in their efforts.