Cleveland — Manager AJ Hinch chose to focus on the present rather than revisit last season’s playoff memory in Cleveland. The Detroit Tigers aimed to rejuvenate their performance after struggling in a recent series against Washington. “Our hope of playing better baseball has nothing to do with Cleveland,” Hinch asserted. He emphasized the importance of resetting and concentrating on their own gameplay.
The Tigers responded positively with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Guardians, marking Cleveland’s eighth consecutive loss and leaving them 13.5 games behind in the Central Division standings. “It’s a good win and we worked hard for it,” Hinch remarked. The team showcased resilience against a demanding crowd, particularly standing out in crucial moments.
Wenceel Perez played a pivotal role in changing the game’s momentum. He first halted a potential run by making a remarkable throw to home plate, clocking in at 97.9 mph according to Statcast, which caught Bo Naylor attempting to score. Naylor was tagged out, a decision that stood upon review. Perez later contributed further by hitting a 402-foot home run that tied the game, illustrating his rising ability both defensively and offensively.
Zach McKinstry also made a significant impact by hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning, contributing to the Tigers’ scoring. The home runs proved vital as they accounted for all the damage against Guardians’ starter Slade Cecconi.
Tigers’ pitcher Reese Olson, returning from an injury, began a bit shakily but eventually settled down, navigating through five innings, allowing only one more hit after the initial two innings. His command improved significantly, and he acknowledged the adrenaline of his first start back contributed to his early struggles.
The bullpen was put to the test as Tyler Holton entered the game, delivering a stellar performance that included striking out three batters in the sixth inning. The relief pitching continued to hold strong, with Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest managing to secure the win despite tense moments in the late innings.
Hinch remarked that the team maintained consistency in approach, reiterating that their focus was solely on winning the current game, regardless of prior performances. “We reset after good series and we reset after bad series,” he confirmed, highlighting the team’s resilience and adaptability.
Overall, the Tigers demonstrated determination and teamwork in their victory, serving as a testament to their commitment to play better and progress as a team.