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Detroit Tigers Get No Help from Toronto, Remain One Game Back

By Griffin Fabits

Sep 28, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hugs center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) in celebration after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Game called for bad weather after 5 innings. Tigers win 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hugs center fielder Cameron Maybin (4) in celebration after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park. Game called for bad weather after 5 innings. Tigers win 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite the Detroit Tigers’ 6-3 win over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday, the Baltimore Orioles were able to maintain their one-game wild card lead.

The Detroit Tigers beat the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday 6-3 in a soggy, five-inning game that was called due to rain.

Miguel Cabrera‘s three-run blast in the fifth inning broke open the 3-3 tie, and Mother Nature took over from there. It was the second rain delay of the game, and the forecast did not predict it to slow down anytime soon.

For a moment, it looked as if the Tigers would gain ground in the AL Wild Card race and get even with the Baltimore Orioles for second place.

The O’s faced a 2-1 deficit in the top of the ninth, and had the tying run on second base with one out against Toronto Blue Jays’ closer Roberto Osuna. Two outs away from securing a win, pinch-hitter Hyun Soo Kim drove Osuna’s 3-2 fastball over the right field wall, which gave Baltimore a 3-2 lead.

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The O’s would hang on to their lead, thanks to Zach Britton‘s 47th save of the season.

The good news is that the Tigers won. The bad news is that they really do not have much to show for it. Toronto’s lead for the first place wild card spot is down to one game over the O’s, and two over the Tigers after tonight’s loss. But the Orioles were able to stall for one more day and hang on to their slim one-game lead over Detroit.

The Tigers are running out of time to maneuver their way into the two wild card spots. Four games remaining with a one-game deficit is the true definition of coming down to the wire.

After this series, Detroit finishes the season in Atlanta for the final three games at Turner Field. Toronto heads to Boston and Baltimore concludes with three games against the Yankees.

This may sound like a broken record, but the Tigers could definitely capitalize in the final series of the season. The Braves have the fewest wins in the National League, and are tied for second-fewest in all of baseball (65). They also own a 28-49 record at home this season.

But, the Tigers cannot afford to come in expecting a sweep. The Braves are playing surprisingly well with nine wins in their last ten tries.

Still, though. Would you rather end the season with the Braves, or with the Orioles or Blue Jays? If you can’t capitalize against a team with 65 wins–regardless of their recent record– it is only fair for it to be classified as a classic “choke”. Especially with playoff implications and your season riding on the line.

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With four games remaining, the ball is in the Detroit Tigers’ court. It’s all about executing at this point in the game.

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