The Tigers were down by a run going into the fifth against the Mariners in Game 1 of the ALDS, thanks to a solo homer for Julio Rodríguez off of rookie Troy Melton, who otherwise pitched a solid four innings in his first postseason start.
Detroit had already left four runners on base at that point, giving way to fears that this would turn out the same way Game 2 of the Wild Card did, when the Tigers went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position.
And then came Kerry Carpenter with Parker Meadows on with a single.