URGENT UPDATE: The Detroit Tigers faced a crushing defeat against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series, stranding a franchise postseason-record 15 baserunners in a 6-1 loss Wednesday night. This shocking performance has evened the best-of-three series, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3.
Despite having numerous opportunities, the Tigers only managed to convert one hit out of 15 chances with runners in scoring position. The lone success came from Javier Baez in the fourth inning, driving in All-Star outfielder Riley Greene with a single off Guardians starter Tanner Bibee.
“We were one swing away, one mistake from blowing that thing open,” Greene stated, reflecting on the game. “It was that close. You need to hit pitches. You need to find the barrel.”
Instead of capitalizing, the Guardians seized their moment, scoring five runs in the eighth inning off relievers Troy Melton and Brant Hurter. The Tigers’ struggles at the plate marked the first time since the 2009 AL Championship Series that a team stranded 15 runners in a playoff game, while their previous postseason high was 14 runners in the 1984 World Series.
The Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch lamented, “Obviously, they made the most of their opportunities and we left 15 guys on. It was a hard-fought game, and the score doesn’t really indicate how close the game was. But we kept giving ourselves a chance.”
From the start, Tigers pitching was effective, with Casey Mize, Tyler Holton, and Kyle Finnegan not allowing Cleveland to advance past first base in the first seven innings. However, the eighth inning proved disastrous as the Guardians capitalized on their chances, leading to a go-ahead solo homer by Brayan Rocchio and a three-run blast from Bo Naylor.
“There are not too many positives now,” Melton admitted. “It sucks, but if I wake up tomorrow, that will be a positive. I guess.”
In a critical moment, Baez was initially credited with a two-run single after Dillon Dingler crossed home plate, but video review overturned the call, ruling that Zach McKinstry was tagged out at third base before Dingler touched the plate. This pivotal moment kept the game tied at 1-1 until the eighth inning.
Despite the disappointment, Greene stood by the decision to attempt the risky play. “We’ve been going from first to third all year, and we’re not going to change now. That’s the way we play,” he said.
As the Tigers prepare for a must-win Game 3, all eyes will be on how they respond after this historic setback. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the team can shake off this performance and reclaim momentum in the series.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis as the Tigers face the Guardians in a crucial showdown this coming weekend.
