Beau Brieske showcased his pitching prowess by maneuvering through a challenging ninth inning, while Riley Greene delivered the go-ahead run in the 10th as the Detroit Tigers triumphed over the Baltimore Orioles 6-4. The victory brought the Tigers within a half-game of the final American League playoff position currently held by the Twins. The Tigers have impressively won 10 of their last 13 games, propelling them into the unexpected contention for a postseason spot after being below .500 just a month ago.
The game saw Tigers’ closer Jason Foley encountering difficulties in the ninth inning, allowing consecutive singles, a walk, and a double that tied the score at 4. However, manager A.J. Hinch made a crucial decision to replace Foley with Brieske, who managed to navigate the situation with a groundout, aided by a remarkable catch from shortstop Trey Sweeney, and ultimately securing the final outs to force extra innings.
In the 10th inning, Brieske once again found himself in a tight spot but successfully closed out the game after Greene and Jace Jung provided key hits and Zach McKinstry contributed with a sacrifice fly against Orioles’ pitcher Yennier Cano. The Tigers’ resilient effort silenced the nearly 40,000 fans at Camden Yards who had been anticipating a different outcome.
The Orioles, who could have secured a playoff berth with a win and a Seattle loss, now have to postpone their celebrations as they wait for Sunday’s games to unfold. With time running out in the season, Baltimore’s chances of catching up to the New York Yankees at the top of the AL East are dwindling.
Tigers’ rookie INF Colt Keith missed the start of the game due to a shoulder injury but is expected to play a full game on Sunday. On the Orioles’ side, CF Cedric Mullins returned to the lineup after recovering from neck tightness, while manager Brandon Hyde noted that several injured players, including 1B Ryan Mountcastle, and 3Bs Jordan Westburg and Ramon Urias, are nearing a return.
In the upcoming series finale, RHP Albert Suárez is scheduled to pitch for the Orioles, while the Tigers have yet to announce their starter, with RHP Casey Mize potentially taking the mound on full rest.