Squirrel halts Tigers‑Orioles game; comeback fuels Skubal’s 1,000th strikeout

squirrel interruption Orioles comeback Skubal 1,000th strikeout trade deadline rumors Comerica Park

On July 28‑29 2026, a black squirrel ran onto the field during the seventh‑inning stretch at Detroit’s Comerica Park while the Tigers hosted the Orioles. The animal evaded more than a dozen members of the Tigers’ grounds crew, prompted an enthusiastic play‑by‑play call from announcer Jason Benetti, and led umpire Bill Miller to ask fans to applaud the crew’s effort. Outfielder Leody Taveras also tried to catch the critter before it was finally wrapped in a towel and released unharmed.

The game, meanwhile, turned into a dramatic comeback. Baltimore erased a 7‑0 deficit, eventually winning 10‑9 in 12 innings on a two‑out single by Colton Cowser. Detroit pitcher Tarik Skubal recorded his 1,000th career strikeout – the fastest in franchise history – and received multiple standing ovations, even as the loss sparked speculation that the start could be his final appearance for the Tigers before the trade deadline. Trade interest from teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers was widely reported.

Entities: Baltimore Orioles · Bill Miller · Colton Cowser · Comerica Park · Detroit Tigers · Jason Benetti · Jason Bennetti · Leody Taveras · Tarik Skubal · black squirrel

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 6 SOURCES] A squirrel entered the field during the Orioles vs. Tigers game at Comerica Park on July 28, 2026. (belongs)
[● 4 SOURCES] Tigers announcer Jason Benetti delivered a notable play‑by‑play call of the squirrel chase. (belongs)
[● 4 SOURCES] The Orioles were leading 8‑5 when the squirrel interruption occurred. (belongs)
[● 5 SOURCES] Orioles outfielder Leody Taveras tried to help capture the squirrel but was unsuccessful. (belongs)
[● 3 SOURCES] A squirrel entered the field during the seventh‑inning stretch of the Orioles vs. Tigers game at Comerica Park on July 28, 2026.
[● 4 SOURCES] The squirrel incident temporarily paused the game. (belongs)
[● 5 SOURCES] The squirrel was eventually captured under a towel and released in good health. (belongs)
[● 3 SOURCES] Umpire Bill Miller asked the crowd to applaud the grounds crew after the squirrel was removed. (belongs)
[● 4 SOURCES] More than a dozen members of the Tigers’ grounds crew attempted to catch the squirrel. (belongs)