Tigers Fans Ejected, Boos Rain Down After Pirates’ Controversial Go-Ahead Run originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates battled it out on Thursday during a double header at Comerica Park in the Motor City.
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Detroit surged back and tied the game at four runs apiece on a two-run home run by Colt Keith in the bottom of the seventh inning prior to a rain delay in the ninth inning.
The Pirates later took a 5-4 10th inning lead on an RBI single by Ke’Bryan Hayes that scored Tommy Pham as part of a controversial play argued by Tigers manager AJ Hinch at home plate.
Boos rained down at Comerica Park as tensions rose during the controversial game changing play between the MLB leaders and their National League opponents.
Pirates manager Don Kelly (L) speaks with umpire Chris Guccione on Thursday. © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The play was shown several times by Detroit area networks as fans began to react.
Hinch came out to argue the close call after Pham scored, beating a strong throw from right field. Hinch was ejected as tensions continued to flare.
Fans had differing opinions on the play.
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“Safe, (Jake) Rogers didn’t tag him,” one fan said.
“Safe…Replay shows catcher was too high,” another fan added about the attempted tag attempt.
“Swiped the arm,” another fan said while two other online readers said Pham was out.
Tigers fans in attendance became upset as rumors of fan ejections swirled.
Reporter Evan Petzold confirmed the situation.
The Pirates took an 8-4 lead before shutting the door in the tenth inning.
Detroit fell to 48-28 on the season while the Pirates improved to 30-46.
Related: Tigers Share Injury News on Starting Pitcher Reese Olson Tuesday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.