Right-handed pitcher Troy Melton’s first MLB outing wasn’t as planned as the 24-year-old was pinned for six runs and the Tigers experienced their third sweep of the season, this time at the hands of the Pirates at PNC Park.

Spencer Horwitz hit his first career grand slam and Bailey Falter matched a career-high with eight strikeouts to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-1 win and sweep of the Detroit Tigers.

It’s the first time the Tigers have been swept in a three-game series in Pittsburgh. It’s the first time this season they’ve lost three series in a row.

The Pirates have been polarized since the All-Star break and achieved something not seen in baseball since 1980.

"We're a really good team," Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson said after the eighth loss in nine games. "We just got to play like it."

Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed starting pitcher Paul Skenes befuddled the Detroit Tigers throughout his outing, leading to the 3-0 shutout series

Flaherty, a right-hander for the Detroit Tigers, didn't return to the mound for the fourth inning Monday, July 21, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, replaced by left-handed reliever Dietrich Enns, who completed the next 2⅔ innings. It was another poor start.

Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows hit a double off Pirates ace Paul Skenes on Monday, July 21 — his first extra-base hit since June 22.