The Tigers have probably adjusted pretty well to losing series this year, where it seems like every new competitor faced, the Tigers manage to eke out one win in a series, while losing the rest. As fans, we cling to the highlight reel plays (thanks, Riley, you keep it interesting!) and the handful of exciting offensive fireworks we get to see from time to time, while relishing that rare weekly win.
While this may not be the same Rays’ team of the past few seasons, they are still considerably better in the standings than Detroit, and there is a longstanding history of the Tigers being bitten by Corey Kluber, especially during his tenure with the Guardians, so this felt like the Tigers’ game to lose.