The Detroit Tigers went into Seattle and came out swinging, literally and figuratively. Their 3-2 win in 11 innings over the Mariners in Game 1 of the ALDS might have surprised some around baseball, but don’t tell manager A.J. Hinch that his team “stole” anything.
“We Didn’t Steal It — We Earned It”
When asked about the perception that Detroit “stole” Game 1 from the Mariners, Hinch didn’t hesitate to push back.
“We didn’t steal it,” Hinch said firmly. “We earned it.”
And he’s right. The Tigers battled through every pitch, leaned on nearly every arm in the bullpen, and found timely hits when it mattered most, the definition of playoff baseball grit.
All Hands on Deck
This wasn’t a one-man win. Hinch praised the way every player, from rookie relievers to veterans, contributed to the victory.
“We’re going to need everybody,” Hinch said. “We are not a team that’s built on one guy, although any one of our guys can be the guy for that night.”
Detroit used six relievers in the win, with young right-hander Keider Montero closing the door in the bottom of the 11th. That kind of flexibility, Hinch noted, is what separates playoff survivors from pretenders.
“We’ve had numerous guys who’ve been the player of the game, so to speak,” Hinch said. “We’re the sum-of-the-parts team. There’s nobody on this roster that we won’t rely on at some point.”
Calculated Chaos — The Hinch Way
Hinch’s aggressive bullpen management has become a trademark of his postseason style. He admitted that sometimes plans fall apart, but that’s what makes his team special.
“Best-laid plans don’t always go that way in the playoffs,” Hinch said. “You have to audible. You have to adapt. That’s what these guys do.”
And when one player’s number is called, they’re ready, because, as Hinch put it, this team stays “on their toes.
Playing With Confidence, Not Fear
Detroit wasn’t intimidated by the moment or the environment in Seattle. From Kerry Carpenter’s home run to Zach McKinstry’s clutch RBI single in extras, the Tigers proved they can handle the pressure.
“One of the pressure points that this team can put on you is by being all-in,” Hinch said. “We’re willing to do anything, and that gives us the second choice to do whatever it takes to win.”
Hinch summed it up perfectly: Detroit didn’t sneak away with a win, they earned it through resilience, teamwork, and belief.
The Bottom Line
A.J. Hinch isn’t interested in narratives or underdog talk. The Tigers didn’t “steal” Game 1; they outplayed a very good team in their own ballpark. That’s the mentality of a club that believes it belongs on the biggest stage.
“We didn’t steal it,” Hinch said. “We earned it.”
If that mindset continues, Detroit might just keep earning their way all the way to the ALCS.
Don Drysdale
Source link