Báez leads the Tigers: Offensive explosion and Skubal to the rescue!

The Detroit Tigers, after weeks on the brink, achieved a crucial offensive resurgence on Wednesday, positioning themselves in the desired position. Javier Báez led the charge with a home run, a stolen base, and four RBIs, propelling the Tigers to a 9-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 4, tying the American League Division Series at 2-2. Riley Greene hit his first postseason home run, breaking the 3-3 tie and starting a four-run rally in the sixth inning, culminating in Báez’s two-run homer. Gleyber Torres also contributed with a home run for Detroit, which had only hit two home runs in six games this postseason before Wednesday.

I’m proud of our guys because today’s game was symbolic of how we play, you know?

A.J. Hinch, Tigers Manager

After Seattle took an early 3-0 lead, the Tigers scored three runs in the fifth to tie the score. Báez capped the rally with a 104 mph single.

We knew we had a lot of baseball left, a lot of innings to play. We believe and we’re never out until the last out is made.

Javier Báez

Báez, batting .346 in the postseason with nine hits, evokes memories of his key role in the 2016 World Series championship with the Chicago Cubs. These playoffs have been a highlight in his career with Detroit, marking a resurgence season after batting .221 in his first three seasons with the Tigers.

World Series champion all those years ago. He knows how to play in those situations. I’m not surprised, but I’m very happy. Everything he does for the team is really special.

Gleyber Torres

The Tigers flirted with disaster in the fourth inning when the Mariners loaded the bases with no outs. Reliever Kyle Finnegan came in to limit the Mariners to one run, keeping the game within reach and setting the stage for an offense that had been struggling. The comeback from the three-run deficit tied the largest postseason rally in Tigers history, a mark established on three previous occasions. Detroit entered the day hitting .191 during the playoffs, with home runs accounting for only 17% of their run production. During the regular season, that number was 42%.

I think hitting is contagious and not hitting is contagious too.

Spencer Torkelson, Tigers first baseman

The decisive Game 5 is on Friday in Seattle, and the Tigers are celebrating knowing who’s on the mound: reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal, who has an ERA of 1.84 with 23 strikeouts in 14⅔ innings in two starts this postseason. After all, the Tigers’ slump at the end of the season and offensive difficulties during the playoffs, Detroit is one win away from the American League Championship Series.

This is what competition is all about. This is why you play the game, for Game 5s. I think that will bring out the best in everyone involved. That’s why this game is so beautiful.

Tarik Skubal

It’s the scenario the Tigers would have mapped out before the season, but even so, they know they can’t take Skubal’s consistent dominance for granted. Everyone can use a little help.

We are sure. We know who is launching that last game for us. But we can’t put all the effort into it.

Gleyber Torres