Tigers Sweep Astros, Advance to ALDS After Andy Ibáñez’s Clutch Hit in Wild Card Comeback
HOUSTON – The Detroit Tigers were just nine outs away from their first postseason series win since 2013 when manager A.J. Hinch’s pitching strategy nearly faltered. However, the Tigers rallied late, turning offensive chaos into a stunning comeback that completed a sweep of the AL Wild Card Series against the Houston Astros, ending the Astros’ streak of seven straight trips to the ALCS.
After the Astros took a two-run lead in the seventh inning off Detroit’s top pitching prospect Jackson Jobe, the Tigers stormed back in the eighth. Pinch-hitter Andy Ibáñez delivered the decisive blow with a bases-clearing double off closer Josh Hader, securing a 5-2 victory at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday afternoon.
With this win, the Tigers will now face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS, a best-of-five series that kicks off Saturday in Cleveland.
Detroit’s bullpen shined throughout the game, starting with opener Tyler Holton and continuing with a combined effort from four relievers who pitched six scoreless innings. Game 1 closer Beau Brieske provided five key outs to protect a 1-0 lead built by Parker Meadows’ solo home run in the sixth inning.
Jobe, in only his third Major League appearance, ran into trouble in the seventh. After hitting a batter, giving up a Jeremy Peña single, and allowing a Mauricio Dubón bunt single, the bases were loaded. Jonathan Singleton followed with an RBI, and José Altuve’s sacrifice fly gave Houston a 2-1 lead.
Lefty reliever Sean Guenther, appearing in his first postseason since his August call-up, prevented further damage by inducing a double play from Kyle Tucker. This proved crucial as the Tigers’ offense came alive in the eighth. Kerry Carpenter and Matt Vierling hit back-to-back singles off Ryan Pressly, and a wild pitch allowed Carpenter to score the tying run.
With two outs and Colt Keith on first after a walk, Spencer Torkelson stayed in the game to face Hader and drew a four-pitch walk, loading the bases. Ibáñez, pinch-hitting for Zach McKinstry, battled back from an 0-2 count and ripped a three-run double into the left-field corner. The clutch hit marked Ibáñez’s first RBIs since September 10.
Guenther kept the Astros off the board in the eighth inning, and Will Vest sealed the victory with a flawless ninth, sending the Tigers to the ALDS and ending Houston’s dominant postseason run.
This impressive victory highlights Detroit’s resilience and sets up an exciting matchup against the AL Central rival Guardians.
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