For the first time since 2013, the Detroit Tigers advanced in an MLB postseason, and the New York Yankees can very well thank them. The team from the AL Central completed a two-game sweep of the Houston Astros, coming back to win Game 2 of the Wild Card Series 5-2.
Smiles are all over the Bronx, because the Yankees’ executioners are out of the playoffs, despite having 569 games more experience than his rival. Houston has eliminated New York in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022.
Detroit, the first team in history to reach the postseason without a single player with 150 hits, 75 runs batted in, 25 home runs, or 25 stolen bases, continues to defy logic despite having the fifth-lowest payroll and will be measured in the Division Series to the Cleveland Guardians.
A great taste in A. J. Hinch’s mouth
On Wednesday, A.J. Hinch went with an opener, used six different pitchers, and they got the job done. They started with six scoreless innings, The manager responsible for the Astros’ first World Series eliminated them on the road with his new team, which he managed to rebuild in 2021 after being suspended for the sign theft scandal.
The team with the fewest home runs in the postseason opened the scoreboard that way, with Parker Meadows’ dinger to open the sixth. It was the only sin in the work of the Astros starter, Hunter Brown, who pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only two hits, but one was the tenth home run of the season by the Tigers’ leadoff hitter.
Houston took the lead and was six outs from forcing a third game, but the Astros’ best relievers failed. A wild pitch by Ryan Pressly tied the game, the bases were loaded and Joe Spada sent for Josh Hader, who failed miserably, allowing a double down the left line that emptied the bags to make it 5-2. Detroit will take the Guardians in Cleveland in the Division Series.
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