Game 1 of the ALDS against the Mariners had almost everything you would want if you are a Detroit Tigers fan. The game was close throughout; it came with very strong pitching performances on both sides; it was a playoff game that went to extra innings, which is always fun and it ended with a Tigers win. However, to get that result required some late-game heroics from Zach McKinstry.
When making the list of key Tigers contributors this year, McKinstry probably wouldn't make the cut despite having some fun moments here and there. McKinstry's role on this Detroit roster is as a Swiss Army knife utility player that supports the team's regular contributors and gives the Tigers a bit of offensive production in spurts.