Home / Sports / Rookie Reliever Melton Shines as Tigers Stun Mariners in ALDS Thriller
Rookie Reliever Melton Shines as Tigers Stun Mariners in ALDS Thriller
11 Oct
Summary
- Tigers rookie Troy Melton pitches 3 scoreless innings in Game 4 to keep Tigers in the game
- Melton also started Game 1, allowing 1 run over 7 innings
- Melton's fastball reaches 99.7 mph, helping him get key strikeouts
On October 8, 2025, the Detroit Tigers faced elimination in Game 4 of the American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners. After starter Casey Mize was pulled in the third inning, the Tigers turned to rookie right-hander Troy Melton to keep the game close.
Melton, who had also started Game 1 for the Tigers, rose to the occasion. He pitched 3 scoreless innings in the sixth, seventh, and eighth frames, facing 11 batters and allowing the Tigers' offense to rally for a 9-3 victory. Melton's dominant performance, which included a 99.7 mph fastball, was crucial in forcing a winner-take-all Game 5.
The 24-year-old Melton, a 2022 fourth-round draft pick, has been a revelation for the Tigers in the playoffs. In his two appearances, he has allowed just 1 run on 4 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 7 over 7 innings. His ability to come up big in high-pressure situations has been a major factor in keeping the Tigers' World Series hopes alive.
As the teams prepare for the decisive Game 5, the Tigers will once again look to Melton to provide a spark out of the bullpen. The young reliever has proven he can handle the moment, and his electric stuff could be the difference-maker in the Tigers' quest to advance to the next round.
