Brandon Inge

I had the rare opportunity today to watch a Tigers' game from start to finish, and they rewarded me by winning in walk-off fashion, 3-2, over the Minnesota Twins. It was Detroit's eighth win in a row, and lowers their magic number to nine. The winning blow was struck by Brandon Inge, which is a bit of a heartwarming story.

Brandon Inge is the longest-tenured player on the team. He is the only link to the disastrous 119-loss season in 2003, and has been in a Tiger uniform since 2001. A fine defensive third-baseman, he has played almost every position on the field, including catcher. By all accounts he is the best athlete on the team (able to dunk a basketball) and has been a fan favorite for years.

The last few years Inge has seemingly become expendable. There was a lot of trade talk involving him and other clubs, and he was vocal about not wanting to leave. This year he was batting at an abysmal average, striking out prodigiously, and was sent down to Triple-A Toledo, certainly an embarrassing moment for a player who was an all-star just two years ago. While in Toledo, he hit well, especially against left-handers, so was brought back up and now platoons at third base.

Today he came in as a defensive replacement. The starter at third, Wilson Betemit, had homered earlier in the game. Max Scherzer held the Twins to two runs through seven innings, with Joe Mauer taking him deep. In the bottom of the ninth, with two out, Inge had two strikes on him when the Twins reliever grooved a fastball and Inge crushed it, everyone in the park knowing immediately the game was over.

For Tigers' fans, it was a feel-good moment. If Inge can be a reliable bat against left-handers it only strengthens their chances in the post-season, and gives the long-time Tiger another chance at a ring.