Mikie Mahtook was crouched at first base in disappointment.
Victor Martinez was crouched in foul territory in disbelief.
This, the lasting snapshot from the 99th game of the season, was so Detroit Tigers.
It was perhaps the one play that could sum up the season so far. It might not have mattered, not with the way the team has seemed to sneak themselves out of scoring situations, but it was the defining blow in yet another loss to the Kansas City Royals.
Mahtook was doubled off first base with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning on Tuesday night, Justin Upton unable to score from third base on a deep drive by Victor Martinez that looked like a sure double if only Royals rightfielder Jorge Bonifacio wasn’t positioned so perfectly.