It took extra hours and extra innings and lots of extra pitchers, but the Tigers just took the largest leap imaginable. They jumped the Mariners in Game 1 of the ALDS, grinded as they generally do, and now suddenly, it’s all possible.

They beat Seattle 3-2 in 11 innings in classic Tigers fashion as midnight struck Saturday. They used seven relievers to frustrate the heavy-hitting Mariners, then scratched out a run on a walk, a wild pitch and a two-out broken-bat single by Zach McKinstry, who’s turning clutch time into his time. Now the Tigers get to turn it over to the best pitcher in baseball, with a chance to put a lethal squeeze on the Mariners.

See Full Page