DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers defeated the Athletics 6-1 on Wednesday, extending their winning streak to four games and securing their fourth consecutive series win.
Starter Troy Melton earned his seventh win of the season, improving to 7-1 with a 1.58 ERA. He pitched seven innings and struck out nine batters, a career high. Melton entered the game with a 6-1 record and 1.75 ERA across 67 innings over 11 starts since joining the rotation two months ago.
Catcher Jake Rogers came off the bench and hit a home run, adding to Detroit's six runs on the night.
The Tigers have won seven of their past eight games. Since June 1, Detroit is 20-12, the best record in the American League during that span.
Melton's strikeout rate sits at 23.1 percent — not overpowering by league standards — but his ability to limit runs has been the engine of Detroit's recent run. This Tigers team is for real, and Melton's emergence as a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter makes Detroit a genuine threat in the American League.
