In the heart of a city known for its grit and determination, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch wanted his team to mirror the relentless spirit of their home city. Hard-working, never giving up, and most of all, embodying resilience. On Wednesday night, that’s exactly how the Tigers stormed into October and kept their momentum alive, defeating the Houston Astros 5-2 in Game 2 to sweep the American League Wild Card Series.
Andy Ibáñez was the hero of the night, delivering a clutch three-run double in the eighth inning to break a 2-2 tie. It capped a four-run inning that proved to be the difference, sending Detroit past Houston and into the American League Division Series. The Tigers now head to Cleveland to take on the AL Central champions in a best-of-five showdown, with Game 1 set for Saturday.
For Hinch, the victory carried extra meaning. The former Astros manager, who led Houston to a World Series title in 2017, was fired in the aftermath of the infamous sign-stealing scandal. But Wednesday night was about redemption, both for Hinch and his Tigers team that wasn’t expected to make much noise this October.
“This team embodies Detroit,” Hinch said postgame. “We fight, we work hard, and we don’t back down. That’s how we’ve made it this far, and that’s how we’ll keep going.”
The eighth-inning rally began when Kerry Carpenter singled with one out off Houston closer Ryan Pressly. Carpenter advanced to third on Matt Vierling’s single and scored on a wild pitch to tie the game at 2. With two outs and the bases loaded after a walk to Spencer Torkelson, Hinch made the key decision to send Ibáñez to pinch-hit for Zach McKinstry.
Ibáñez, who had struggled throughout September, hitting just .167 and failing to drive in a run since September 10, delivered in the most crucial moment of the Tigers’ season. Facing a 1-2 count, he lined a sinker from Josh Hader into the left-field corner, clearing the bases and giving Detroit a 5-2 lead. His teammates celebrated wildly as they crossed home plate, while Ibáñez raised his arms in joy as he reached second base.
“I knew I had to make something happen for the team,” Ibáñez said. “We’ve fought so hard to get here, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
The Tigers’ bullpen shone brightly in Game 2, using seven pitchers to secure the win. A day after Tarik Skubal led Detroit to victory in the series opener, Sean Guenther picked up the win in relief, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Will Vest then closed out the ninth for the save, as Detroit’s pitching staff kept the potent Astros lineup in check.
The Tigers’ pitching held firm, allowing just two runs after Houston had taken an early lead. Houston’s Pressly, who had converted his first 14 postseason save opportunities, was unable to protect the lead in the eighth inning, setting the stage for Detroit’s comeback.
Parker Meadows also played a key role in Detroit’s victory, hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning to tie the game at 1 and break Houston starter Framber Valdez’s rhythm. It was yet another example of the Tigers’ unlikely rise this season.
Entering the playoffs for the first time since 2014, Detroit was widely seen as a longshot. But the Tigers caught fire down the stretch, going 31-13 in the final weeks of the regular season. Under Hinch’s guidance, they not only reached the postseason but also won their first playoff series since 2013.
The victory over the Astros, who had made seven consecutive appearances in the AL Championship Series, signaled that the Tigers are not content with simply making it to October.
“We’re here to win,” Hinch said. “This is a team that doesn’t quit, and we believe in what we can do. It’s about playing with heart and leaving everything on the field.”
Now, with a best-of-five series against the Cleveland Guardians looming, the Tigers are focused on keeping their October run alive. If their performances in Houston are any indication, Detroit is a team that no one should underestimate.
