The Detroit Tigers' 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night felt like a breath of fresh air. The September collapse that had turned a magical season into a nightmare for the Tigers resulted in a spreading haze that felt like drowning. That feeling permeated the start of their crucial series against the Guardians this week.
After Tarik Skubal was rattled on Tuesday, and the Tugers looked lifeless on Wednesday, the team was in desperate need of a victory on Thursday night.
In the unfamiliar territory of looking up to the Guardians in the American League Central, the Tigers' season may have been saved on Thursday night.