The San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers will take the field at Comerica Park on April 22, 2025, for the second game of their three-game interleague series in what has become an intriguing clash between two first-place teams from opposite leagues. The Tigers drew first blood in the series with a hard-fought 6-4 victory, showcasing their ability to capitalize on timely offense and contain one of the most potent lineups in the National League. At 14-9, Detroit has emerged as a surprise early leader in the AL Central, leaning on strong starts from players like Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter, and benefiting from a bullpen that has consistently shut down opponents in the late innings. Meanwhile, the Padres sit atop the NL West at 16-7 and entered this series on a high, having won six of their last seven games thanks to a dynamic offense powered by Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Luis Arraez. The Padres have also been a betting favorite early in the season, covering the run line in 11 of their first 14 games, with their consistent run production and reliable starting rotation serving as the foundation of their success. However, the Game 1 loss to Detroit demonstrated that even elite teams can be vulnerable when they leave runs on the table and falter in key moments on the mound. Tuesday’s pitching matchup features two right-handers off to impressive starts in 2025—Nick Pivetta for the Padres and Jack Flaherty for the Tigers. Pivetta has been excellent, sporting a 3-1 record with a 1.57 ERA over 23 innings, commanding the strike zone and racking up 24 strikeouts while avoiding big innings. His fastball-curveball mix has played particularly well against both left-handed and right-handed hitters, and his ability to pitch deep into games has helped preserve the Padres’ bullpen.

Across the diamond, Flaherty has been resurgent in Detroit, with a 2.53 ERA and opponents batting just .184 against him. His slider has been particularly sharp this season, generating swings and misses and weak contact, and he’ll need that command to neutralize the aggressive top half of the Padres lineup. Both pitchers are capable of setting the tone early, and the team that best protects their starter with solid defense and timely run support is likely to control the tempo of this game. Offensively, San Diego will look to shake off a slightly underwhelming performance in the opener and reassert the power and patience that have made them a top-scoring team in the National League. For Detroit, Game 2 represents a chance to build on momentum, solidify their standing atop the AL Central, and prove they can consistently compete with playoff-caliber teams. Their victory in Game 1 wasn’t just a product of clutch hitting but also of poise—containing San Diego’s rally attempts and staying composed in high-leverage spots. Their offensive approach, which favors contact, line drives, and situational hitting, contrasts with San Diego’s more explosive style, and that contrast in approach adds intrigue to this series. If the Tigers can replicate the formula from Game 1—solid start, clean defense, and a bullpen that protects a narrow lead—they’ll be in a strong position to claim a statement series win. However, the Padres will surely come out with urgency, aware of the need to avoid back-to-back losses and armed with the kind of lineup depth and pitching power to flip the narrative quickly. Expect a tight, well-contested ballgame between two confident clubs, each with an early-season identity they’re eager to reinforce in front of a growing spotlight.