Detroit Tigers: Comeback Win Sets the Tone for Second Half
Down five runs in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, the Detroit Tigers stunned the Rays, scoring eight runs and winning 10-7.
This is the one that will turn the corner. This is the win that the Detroit Tigers will look back on when reflecting on the 2016 season.
Down five runs in the ninth inning, the Tigers stunned the Tampa Bay Rays and scored eight runs to win 10-7.
When Francisco Rodriguez induced a game-ending double play to cap off the best win of the season, there was a different feel to the post-game handshakes. Guys were smiling, hugs were given, and the Rays were left to look on. The record sits at 41-38, but the last few days have given off a different vibe.
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Fresh off a gut-wrenching sweep by the Cleveland Indians at home, the Tigers welcomed the Miami Marlins to town for a two-game set.
The Tigers scored 17 runs, the bullpen was phenomenal again, and the club teetered back over the .500 mark with a 40-38 record.
In the first of four games against the Rays however, the Tigers seemed baffled by right-handed pitcher Jake Odorizzi.
They were scoreless through five innings, but got on the board courtesy of an Ian Kinsler single that brought home Jarrod Salatalamachia. Cameron Maybin later hit a sacrifice fly that scored Jose Iglesias.
The Rays entered the ninth with a comfortable 7-2 lead. Maybin, Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Nick Castellanos, and Justin Upton went station-to-station with five straight singles. Suddenly, the Tigers were in business.
Thanks to the string of base hits, Steven Moya‘s sacrifice fly, Saltalamacchia’s single, Ian Kinsler’s walk with the bags loaded, and Maybin’s bases-clearing double, the Tigers enjoyed their largest comeback win of the season, by a score of 10-7.
There is no doubt that this is the biggest win of the season.
Currently in the midst of a three-game win streak, this doesn’t look like a team that is ready to fold and label themselves as trade deadline sellers like last year.
This is a team that looks ready to load up for a lengthy postseason run. Thursday’s win should be the reason to believe.
According to ESPN, teams were 3-2,779 when facing a five-run deficit heading into the ninth. Owners of that unlikely fourth win, this comes with optimism and reason to believe that the ’16 Tigers could be special.
Before the Tigers enjoy time off during the All-Star Break, they’ll play three more with the Rays, three with the Indians, and four with the Toronto Blue Jays. All away from Comerica Park.
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These next ten games are crucial if the Tigers want to stay in the AL Central, and Wild Card race. What a way to start off a road trip. This is the win that will turn the corner for the Detroit Tigers. Who would’ve thought?