In a disappointing series finale against the Cincinnati Reds, the Detroit Tigers suffered an 8-4 defeat marked by defensive blunders and missed opportunities. Manager A.J. Hinch expressed his frustration with the team's sloppy play, as three errors and a crucial mishap during a potential double play led to the Reds' comeback. Notably, third baseman Zach McKinstry's bobble in the eighth inning allowed the Reds to tie the game, setting the stage for their victory. Even pitchers Sawyer Gipson-Long and Brant Hurter contributed to the loss with throwing errors that led to critical runs.

The Tigers' defense, generally one of their strengths, faltered under pressure, with Hinch stating, "This is not our identity." Despite having one of the league’s better defensive records, the Tigers were unable to execute essential plays, which not only frustrated the manager but also left fans questioning the team’s consistency. The loss not only affected the series outcome but also left the Tigers looking to rebound quickly to maintain their competitive standing in the division.