--- title: "Tigers' four-run 11th stuns Yankees in series sweep" description: "Detroit rallies late to complete four-game set with a 6-2 win in extras, tightening the AL Central playoff race." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tigers-prevail-in-extras-to-sweep-yankees-e21ea53b published: 2026-07-02T17:53:01.794+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T17:53:01.794+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["baseball"] --- # Tigers' four-run 11th stuns Yankees in series sweep > Detroit rallies late to complete four-game set with a 6-2 win in extras, tightening the AL Central playoff race. The Detroit Tigers erased a late deficit with a four-run 11th inning to beat the New York Yankees 6-2 in extra innings on Sunday, completing a series sweep and tightening the AL Central playoff race. Detroit trailed 2-1 entering the ninth before tying the game on a two-out, two-run single by Akil Baddoo off Yankees closer Clay Holmes. The Tigers then broke through in the 11th, scoring four runs on a two-run double by Spencer Torkelson and a two-run single by Eric Haase to seal the sweep at Comerica Park. New York starter Clarke Schmidt allowed three runs over five innings, but the Yankees' bullpen struggled, with Holmes and Greg Weissert combining to allow three runs in the ninth and 11th. Detroit's bullpen, led by Alex Lange, pitched 4.2 scoreless innings to keep the game within reach. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch called the comeback a testament to his team's resilience. "This is what we've been talking about all year," Hinch said. "We've got guys who can come through in big spots, and tonight was another example of that." The sweep arrives amid a stretch where Detroit has won five of six games, including series victories over Cleveland and the White Sox. The Tigers now sit just 2.5 games behind Cleveland for the division lead, with the Yankees falling 3.5 games out of the top Wild Card spot. For New York, the loss compounds a troubling trend: the Yankees are now 4-8 in their last 12 games, with three of those defeats coming in extra innings. The bullpen's struggles have become a recurring theme, with opponents now averaging a .278 batting average against the relievers since the All-Star break. The Tigers' ability to win tight games has been a defining trait this season. Detroit ranks third in the majors with a 21-12 record in extra-inning games, a mark that underscores their mental toughness and clutch hitting. This sweep, coming on the heels of a series win over Cleveland, signals Detroit’s resurgence in a division where small margins often decide playoff spots. The Yankees’ bullpen issues extend beyond recent outings. Since the All-Star break, New York relievers have posted a 4.85 ERA, the worst among playoff-contending teams in the American League. The unit’s inability to close games has cost the Yankees multiple wins, including this one, where Holmes and Weissert combined for 1.1 innings of two-run ball. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch emphasized the importance of these late-game situations. "We know every run matters in this division," Hinch said. "Our guys have shown they can handle the pressure, and that’s what sets us apart right now." What's next: Detroit (78-65) stays in the hunt for the AL Central lead with a week-long break before a three-game set against the Royals. New York (75-68) drops two of three and must regroup for a crucial home series against the Red Sox. The sweep shifts momentum in a division where every game counts, and Detroit’s late-game heroics serve as a warning to contenders like Cleveland and Kansas City. ## Why this matters A sweep of the Yankees keeps Detroit's playoff hopes alive while dealing a blow to New York's postseason push. The Tigers' late-inning resilience underscores their depth and ability to win tight games, a crucial trait in a division where every game matters. For the Yankees, the loss exposes bullpen vulnerabilities and forces a reset in a crowded playoff race. The sweep also shifts momentum in a division where small runs and clutch performances often decide standings. The Tigers' extra-inning prowess and Cleveland's recent stumbles create a volatile three-way race, with Kansas City lurking just 4.5 games back. ## Frequently asked ### How did the Tigers come back to win the game? Detroit tied the game in the ninth on a two-out, two-run single by Akil Baddoo off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, then scored four runs in the 11th on a two-run double by Spencer Torkelson and a two-run single by Eric Haase. ### Who were the key pitchers for Detroit in the win? Alex Lange pitched 4.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen to keep Detroit in the game, while the offense delivered in clutch moments against Holmes and Weissert. ### What does this series sweep mean for the AL Central playoff race? The Tigers' sweep tightens the AL Central race, keeping Detroit in contention while the Yankees' playoff push takes a hit with the loss. Cleveland still leads by 2.5 games, but Detroit's momentum and Kansas City's proximity make this a three-team fight. ### When is Detroit's next series? The Tigers have a week-long break before hosting the Royals for a three-game set starting on the road. ### How did Clarke Schmidt perform for the Yankees? Schmidt allowed three runs over five innings, but the Yankees' bullpen struggled in the late innings, leading to the loss. ### What is Detroit's recent form entering the break? Detroit has won five of its last six games, including series victories over Cleveland and the White Sox, positioning them for a playoff push. ## Sources & Citations - [Tigers prevail in extras to sweep Yankees](https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/49241157/tigers-prevail-extras-sweep-yankees) — ESPN (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Tigers' four-run 11th stuns Yankees in series sweep. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/tigers-prevail-in-extras-to-sweep-yankees-e21ea53b