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    • The Detroit Tigers are ready for the pressure of winner-take-all ALDS Game 5
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    The Detroit Tigers are ready for the pressure of winner-take-all ALDS Game 5

    Seren Anwen Posted on

    CLEVELAND – Even though the Detroit Tigers failed to clinch a series win in the ALDS at home in Game 4 on Thursday, they are feeling relaxed and confident a day before a crucial Game 5 against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.

    Manager AJ Hinch said the team remained balanced throughout its run to reach the playoffs and the first six games of the MLB postseason. He expects the same behavior at 1:08 p.m. Saturday in front of a hostile street crowd with the season on the line.

    “I’m so proud of our team and the way we’re handling it – the loud music to the vibe we’re bringing tomorrow,” Hinch said. “It’s a great opportunity to be great. Everyone remembers these games and it’s a great opportunity. There is no burden, there is no stress, no tension on our part. And we will enjoy every moment of this opportunity, this is where we are and where we want to be.

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    The Tigers didn’t have time to reflect on Thursday’s back-and-forth 5-4 Game 4 loss at Comerica Park as they arrived in Cleveland Friday morning. Left fielder Riley Greene said the ability to spread out and move on is crucial in October baseball, especially before a game that’s all about the winner.

    “There is no scope for relegation, at this point it’s win or go home,” Greene said. “So there’s no reason to knock yourself out and get punched in the face. You always have to hit back right away.”

    On Thursday night, first baseman Spencer Torkelson said the team didn’t want anything easy, and Game 5 starter Tarik Skubal agreed a day later. He said the team is accepting the challenge of having to win a second playoff series on the road.

    “That’s why you play the game,” Skubal said. “For moments like this and also for stages like this in this environment. So I think our guys will respond well to that.”

    The Tigers have spent most of the playoffs on the road, excluding the two-game homestand in Games 3 and 4 of the ALDS. They went 3-1 in their away games, defeated Houston in the AL Wild Card Round and split Games 1 and 2 of the current series with Cleveland.

    For most of these Tigers players, this will be the first crucial, win-win postseason game, but Hinch has experience from his time with the Houston Astros. He guaranteed that something “unforeseeable” would happen on Saturday as both teams desperately try to progress.

    “Everyone knows what it’s about, there are no secrets,” Hinch said. “It’s the best kind of baseball you can get because everyone is all-in at every moment, every pitch, every at-bat. Every single person can make the difference in the game.”

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    Rubber fight against familiar opponents

    Game 5 will be the 18th meeting between the Guardians and Tigers in 2024. The Guardians won the season series 7-6 and the two teams were tied in a competitive playoff series.

    There are no secrets left for the Tigers or Guardians to ambush each other, and it will come down to who can still make a play on Saturday.

    “We know what we’re getting, they know what they’re getting,” Greene said. “I mean, we’ve seen each other so many times that we know what’s going to happen. The only question is: who gets the big hit?”

    Both the Guardians and Tigers made heavy use of their bullpens (with Detroit taking it to the extreme), focusing on crucial pinch-hit shots in Games 2 and 4 that led to decisive hits in Games 2 and 4, and adjusted starting lineups to handle the starting pitch.

    “I don’t see why tomorrow should be any different,” Hinch said.

    Skubal is ready for the big moment

    The Tigers have Skubal in action tomorrow and are confident their left-handed ace will emerge in a big moment.

    “He’s going to handle it like the pro that he is and attack the strike zone and attack the hitters,” Hinch said. “He loves competition. He’s as excited about it as anyone I’ve ever taken to the mound. And no one can put the ball on the mound better in this game than Tarik.”

    Skubal pitched 13 scoreless innings in two starts this postseason, leading to victories for the Tigers in both games. He started Game 2 of the ALDS, pitched seven scoreless innings and ultimately delivered a dramatic victory in the ninth inning.

    In addition to his skills as a pitcher – Skubal won the AL pitching Triple Crown this season – Hinch said he strengthens the team and instills confidence in the entire squad. That was evident in the Tigers’ clubhouse on Thursday as every player said they were confident Skubal would pull out a win in Game 5.

    “I know how important every game is to him and I know what it means to put him on the mound to build confidence in our team,” Hinch said. “He’ll handle it like a pro.”

    Skubal said the respect he earned in the clubhouse did not go unnoticed and was emblematic of the squad’s selfless approach.

    “It means a lot what comes from them,” Skubal said. “And I think that’s just who we are as a time. We have to fight every day, we are young, we want it more than anyone else, so it will be a lot of fun.”

    Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press It covers the city’s professional teams, the state’s two flagship universities and more. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22and email him at [email protected].

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