DETROIT – Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch reflected on the team’s ALDS Game 4 victory, emphasizing the collective effort that led to the 9-3 win.
“He’s first off, he’s incredible,” said Hinch of Riley Greene, highlighting his resilience despite some tough games. “He never concedes. He comes up big right when you need it.”
Hinch praised the team’s overall performance, noting multiple players contributed positively.
“It’s a lot of different guys doing something positive. Multiple guys getting on base, leadoff batter on base, five innings in a row. An entire bullpen,” Hinch said.
Hinch acknowledged the emotional intensity of the game, especially with the crowd’s energy and the stakes involved.
“Everybody’s kind of living on every pitch. You’ve got to keep fighting. Our season was on the line,” Hinch said.
Hinch also highlighted Jahmai Jones’ role as a key pinch hitter.
“He’s been a big part. He knows the strike zone, he knows where the barrel is. He’s fully prepared,” Hinch said.
Regarding pitching strategy, Hinch explained the decision to pull Casey Mize early and rely on Troy Melton.
“The best chance for us to keep this game close but win was to continue to throw different pitchers at them,” Hinch said.
Hinch addressed the team’s offensive confidence, noting the importance of connecting at-bats and building momentum.
“We need one, two, and three good things to happen in a row. It’s not just the big swings, but also singles and moving runners,” Hinch said.
Hinch praised Javier Baez for his composure and performance under pressure.
“He rises to the moment. He’s a steady force in the middle of our field. I really appreciate that out of him,” Hinch said.
Reflecting on Baez’s journey, Hinch said, “It’s very rewarding to watch him play with some joy. Our best team has him doing some impactful things.”
On the Mariners’ pitching choices, Hinch was not surprised by their aggressive use of Gabriel Speier.
“Game 5 elimination games are something to avoid when you’re on the lead side. We knew Speire was going to be a part of it,” Hinch said.
Finally, Hinch spoke about the significance of Tarik Skubal‘s role in the upcoming game.
“One of the easiest and most exciting things to do is hand the ball to the best pitcher in baseball. He’s deeply trusted in our clubhouse.”
The pivotal game of the series will be on Friday (Oct 10) in Seattle, with Skubal taking on George Kirby.
Detroit hopes its hot bats will travel to Seattle, just as the Tigers’ nine runs were their most in a postseason game since scoring 13 in Game 6 of the 1968 World Series.
Wednesday’s (Oct. 8) victory was the Tigers’ first at Comerica Park since Sept. 6, 2025, when they took down divisional foe, the Chicago White Sox, 6-0.
The 2-2 series has been centered around home runs and strikeouts as the Mariners took a 2-1 series lead Tuesday night behind three home runs and great pitching for their 8-4 Game 3 victory.
On Wednesday, Detroit followed suit as they, after trailing 3-0, went on to hit three home runs in nine at-bats to blow the game open.
Prior to that, the Tigers hit home runs in 2-260 at-bats.
First pitch for the Tigers and Mariners is slated for 8:08 p.m. The winner will take on the No. 1-seeded Toronto Blue Jays in the best-of-seven in the ALCS.