Detroit Tigers Stun Yankees with Historic Comeback in 12-2 Victory

The Detroit Tigers staged a stunning comeback against the New York Yankees on September 9, 2025, erasing a 2-0 deficit with 12 unanswered runs — including a historic nine-run seventh inning — to secure a 12-2 victory at Yankee Stadium. This dramatic win was highlighted by Parker Meadows’ go-ahead single and a relentless offensive barrage that overwhelmed the Yankees’ bullpen, marking one of the most memorable innings in recent franchise history. The Yankees, who had built an early lead with home runs from Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, saw their advantage vanish when the Tigers tied the game in the fifth. Starting pitcher Will Warren delivered six solid innings, allowing just two runs, but the wheels came off in the seventh. Relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. combined to surrender nine runs without recording a single out, making dubious history as the first Yankees duo ever to each allow four or more earned runs in an appearance without retiring a batter, as noted by Stathead. The Tigers sent 10 batters to the plate before the Yankees could get an out, and the Bronx crowd responded with sarcastic cheers as the inning finally ended. Parker Meadows was instrumental, notching three hits and three RBIs, including the single that gave Detroit the lead. Kerry Carpenter punctuated the outburst with a two-run triple, further demoralizing the Yankees. Riley Greene also contributed with a pair of hits and an RBI. On the mound, Casey Mize pitched six strong innings for Detroit, keeping New York’s offense in check after the early home runs. The loss was especially bitter for the Yankees on a night when Aaron Judge hit his 359th career home run, passing Yogi Berra for fifth on the franchise’s all-time list and moving just two shy of tying Joe DiMaggio for fourth. Despite Judge’s milestone and the team’s initial momentum, the Yankees (80-64) fell three games behind the Blue Jays in the division race, with the Red Sox drawing even with them for the top AL wild-card position. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the bullpen’s struggles, citing their 4.40 ERA — ranking 22nd in MLB — and emphasized the need for consistency as the playoff race intensifies. “We have the guys down there to get it done, we just got to sync it up,” Boone stated postgame. For the Tigers (83-62), this win was a testament to their resilience and offensive depth as they continue to push for playoff positioning. The game not only showcased their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes but also highlighted emerging talents like Meadows and Carpenter, who could play pivotal roles down the stretch. The Yankees, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly with only 18 games remaining in the regular season and their postseason hopes in the balance. Read more about the Tigers’ breakout performance on Detroit Free Press and see the full box score at ESPN.