Athletics, Gelof Blank Tigers for Series Sweep

Zack Gelof of the Athletics celebrating a double against the Tigers

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

August 27, 2025

Athletics 7, Tigers 0

The Athletics shut out the Detroit Tigers, 7–0, Wednesday night at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California. Nick Kurtz, Brett Harris, and Zack Gelof — Gelof with a double, a homer, and four RBI — all notched multiple hits to give the Athletics their 21st win in their past 31 games. Rookie Luis Morales continued his hot streak, limiting the Tigers to two hits across seven scoreless innings while walking two and striking out seven. This gave the Athletics a three-game sweep over the Tigers, who have dropped four straight, and gave them a 4–2 season series victory over the AL Central leaders. Additionally, it brought the Athletics into a tie for fourth place in the AL West with the Los Angeles Angels, who lost in blowout fashion to the Texas Rangers, 20–3.

Athletics – Tigers Game Summary

The Athletics opened the scoring on a one-out RBI single to left by Tyler Soderstrom in the bottom of the first. They tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the second with a two-run homer to left by Zack Gelof, his first of the season, and a sacrifice fly to center by All-Star Brent Rooker. More scoring came in the fourth, when Tigers pitcher Casey Mize threw wide of first after fielding a slow Gelof bouncer, allowing Brett Harris to score from second. Gelof ended the scoring in the eighth with a two-run double.

What Went Right for the Athletics

Pitching

In addition to Morales’ two-hit dominance, relievers Justin Sterner and Brady Basso limited the Tigers to one baserunner across a combined two scoreless innings. The lone baserunner — Gleyber Torres — reached on a leadoff walk in the ninth, but pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones followed with a 5–4–3 double-play groundout to erase him.

Knocked an All-Star Pitcher Out Early

Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize — a 2025 All-Star — only managed to retire 10 batters in one of his worst starts of the season. The Athletics scored five runs on seven hits off Mize, including the Gelof homer. Mize walked two and struck out four while only lasting 3 1/3 innings.

Highlight-reel Defense

Gelof made a leaping grab at second base for the third out in the top of the second, robbing Zach McKinstry of an RBI single. This stranded Spencer Torkelson at third after he had cracked a one-out triple. McKinstry also was the victim of robbery in the seventh, when center fielder Lawrence Butler made a diving grab of a sinking liner. This also was the third out of the frame.

What Went Wrong for the Athletics

Could Have Scored Even More

Not that it mattered much in a 7–0 win, but four of the six runners the Athletics left on base were in scoring position.

Looking Ahead

Morales (2–0, 1.19 ERA) earned the win as Mize (12–5, 3.95 ERA) took the loss. There was no save.

The Athletics (63–72), after a day off Thursday, will host the Texas Rangers (68–67) in a three-game series beginning Friday night. While the Athletics had not yet announced a starting pitcher at press time, the Rangers have announced that they will go with right-hander Jack Leiter (8–7, 3.81 ERA). First pitch at Sutter Health Park will be at 7:05 pm Pacific. The Tigers (78–57) will also have Thursday off before opening a three-game road series against the Kansas City Royals (69–65). First pitch Friday evening will be at 7:10 pm Central, with Tigers right-hander Chris Paddack (5–11, 4.98 ERA) facing Royals righty Seth Lugo (8–6, 3.99 ERA).