The Detroit Tigers are making their return to the MLB Playoffs for the first time since 2014! This year’s team has become a major storyline in Major League Baseball. Not too long ago, many wrote them off, but they’ve rallied around their coach and passionate fanbase and are primed for October baseball. Just over a month ago, most analysts, along with many fans, believed the Tigers were out of the running. On August 11th, they stood at 55-63 with a mere 0.2% chance of reaching the postseason. However, Detroit defied the odds by winning 31 of their last 42 games, clinching a spot in the AL Wild Card Series set to begin next Tuesday. After defeating the Chicago White Sox 4-1 on Friday night, celebrations erupted in Detroit. The festivities kicked off on the field after right fielder Wenceel Pérez made the final out, continuing later in the clubhouse, where manager AJ Hinch initiated the celebration with an upbeat message.
Surrounded by his team in a clubhouse adorned with plastic coverings, Hinch remarked, “Special teams accomplish special things, and we have the chance to create something extraordinary.” As he continued his postgame address, the sound of champagne bottles popping filled the air. He concluded his speech with, “Remember when I asked you what kind of team you wanted to be? I guess you chose to be a playoff team!” And just like that, the celebration kicked off. Tigers broadcasters buzzing about playoff prospects Following the Tigers’ playoff berth, the Bally Sports broadcast crew jumped on the airwaves to discuss the team’s potential in the postseason. Jason Benetti praised Andy Dirks and Dan Petry for joining in the celebrations.
Benetti expressed, “This city and state deserve this, and I’m thrilled to experience it with all of you.” His sentiment resonates with the Tigers fanbase, who are eager to see how far this year’s team can go. Should the playoffs commence today, the Tigers would match up against the Baltimore Orioles in the AL Wild Card Series, holding a narrow one-game lead over the Kansas City Royals. If both teams end the regular season with identical records, the Royals would win the tiebreaker, sending Detroit to face the AL West Champion Astros in Houston. While it’s exciting for Detroit to be returning to the MLB Postseason for the first time in ten years, merely reaching the playoffs isn’t their end goal. The Tigers now have the chance to set their pitching rotation for the upcoming series and aim for a return to the World Series.
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