MLBFriday Recap: Tigers and Royals Secure Postseason Spots, Ohtani Pursues Triple Crown Title
The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals sealed their spot in the postseason last Friday, putting an end to two of the longest dry spells in Major League Baseball (MLB).
In a game marked by an unwanted historical event – the Chicago White Sox breaking the MLB record for most losses in a single season in baseball's modern age – the Tigers celebrated their return to the playoffs since 2014.
The Los Angeles Angels are now carrying the longest ongoing playoff drought in the league after the Tigers' 4-1 victory over Chicago.
"I love it. I love the game, I love these guys, I love this team. The guys we've got here, they're incredible, and our staff is great, the support staff is awesome," Detroit's ace pitcher, Tarik Skubal, shared with Bally Sports Detroit in a buzzing locker room postgame.
Skubal has been a significant factor behind the Tigers' success this season and is a strong contender for the American League Cy Young Award – an honor given to the best pitcher in each league.
"Special teams do special things, and we've got an opportunity to do something special.... When I asked you in the middle of the season what kind of team do you want to be, I guess you wanted to be a playoff team," Tigers manager A.J. Hinch told his players before popping the celebratory champagne bottles and getting the party started.
Similar jubilant scenes unfolded in the Kansas City locker room.
The Royals last appeared in the playoffs in 2015 and ended the previous season with 106 losses. However, their resilience shone brightly this season, turning their fortunes around brilliantly.
Despite losing to the Atlanta Braves 3-0 that Friday, the Royals clinched their playoff berth due to the Baltimore Orioles' victory over the Minnesota Twins.
"This is the time to appreciate it," a drenched Vinnie Pasquantino said postgame, according to MLB.com. "We were really bad last year. This year, we're really good. And you get kind of emotional thinking about it. I'm super excited to be in this locker room right now. We're happy to be here. And we're not satisfied."
Royals GM J.J. Picollo echoed the same sentiments on the remarkable transformation Kansas City showed this season.
"To get from where we were to where we are, there's so many people involved. So many people played a part in this. To see it all happen is kind of surreal. We felt like it was going to happen, but until it did, you just didn't know."
Ohtani's Triple Crown chase continues
While teams were celebrating playoff berths, Shohei Ohtani was maintaining his stellar season.
The LA Dodgers and Ohtani defeated the Colorado Rockies 11-4 that Friday, and the Japanese star delivered another exceptional performance – as has become customary for the founding member of the 50/50 club.
Ohtani hit yet another home run, swiped another base, and kept his hopes of a Triple Crown alive.
Ohtani leads the National League in home runs with 54 and tops the leaderboard in RBIs with 130. The Japanese sensation now needs to chase down Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres' batting average to secure the first Triple Crown since 2012.
"He's had an incredible season," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said per MLB.com. "When you get to the one-yard line on certain statistics, whether it's a potential Triple Crown, a 60-60, whatever it might be, stealing 60 bases, you want to try to get there as best as you can."
The Detroit Tigers' 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox extended their celebration, as they moved further away from the longest ongoing playoff drought in MLB, making sport a source of joy and anticipation for their fans.
After securing their spot in the postseason, the Tigers' focus shifted to maintaining their form in the upcoming matches, demonstrating their commitment and enthusiasm towards the sport.
