In Game 1 of the ALDS, Kerry Carpenter’s fifth-inning two-run homer off George Kirby flipped the score and the momentum, after Seattle chose Kirby over Gabe Speier for a third look at Carpenter. The blast, 409 feet with 112.5 mph exit velocity, gave Detroit a 2-1 lead en route to an 11-inning 3-2 victory. The decision highlight: analytics versus gut, and Carpenter’s righty strength paving the Tigers’ path to a key Game 1 win.

Carpenter thrives versus right-handed arms (.812 OPS) and has owned Kirby in limited at-bats—five hits, all homers, in 11 chances—while Kirby’s third-time-through drop in effectiveness loomed. Hinch’s counter-moves and the threat of Jahmai Jones as a pinch-hitter added strategic depth, underscoring Detroit’s bullpen and late-inning acumen as the series unfolds.

Detroit outlasted Seattle 3-2 in 11 innings to seize Game 1 of the ALDS, with Zach McKinstry delivering the tiebreaker on the first pitch he saw from Carlos Vargas after Spencer Torkelson moved him to scoring position with a walk.

Kerry Carpenter’s fifth-inning two-run shot gave the Tigers the lead, capped by Tarik Skubal’s strong start on the mound. Julio Rodríguez homered for Seattle, Cal Raleigh chipped in three singles, but Detroit bullpen arms closed it out as Will Vest and Keider Montero finished it in relief. Game 2 features Luis Castillo against Skubal.

Postseason extra innings add-no-runner rules didn’t apply here, and Seattle’s closer Andrés Muñoz bridged two scoreless frames before the Tigers pulled it out. Detroit’s resurgence continues as they try to push the series to Seattle.