League date: August 31, 2027

DETROIT, MI — The Detroit Tigers jumped on Atlanta starter Spencer Strider for seven runs over the first two innings and rode the early offensive explosion to a 7-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves at Comerica Park to close out August.

Home runs from Yandy Díaz and Riley Greene fueled Detroit’s fast start, while trade deadline acquisition Bailey Oberdelivered another strong performance from the mound. Acquired in a deal that sent shortstop prospect Bryce Rainer to the Rays, Ober allowed just one run over seven innings, striking out six and walking three. Matt Svanson closed out the victory for his 37th save.

Strider lasted just 1⅓ innings before Atlanta went to its bullpen. He surrendered all seven Detroit runs on six hits while striking out one. Cam Caminiti and three other Braves relievers kept the Tigers scoreless the rest of the way, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.

The victory was Detroit’s fourth straight in a month defined by streaks. The Tigers had an eight-game winning streak earlier in August, but also endured a three-game sweep by the Angels and a loss to Cleveland before recovering with their current four-game run.

AS IT STANDS…

The Tigers (81-58) reclaimed first place in the AL Central, moving one game ahead of the struggling Cleveland Guardians (80-59). The Braves (68-71) fell three games behind the Miami Marlins (71-68) in the battle for the NL East lead.