Detroit Tigers infielder Andy Ibanez Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Watch: Tigers pinch-hitter plays hero and helps boot Astros

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 10/2/24

The Houston Astros have been eliminated from the playoffs and Andy Ibanez is a big reason why.

Ibanez served as a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth inning for his Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of their AL wild-card series with the Astros on Wednesday. Ibanez stepped into a bases loaded situation with two outs against reliever Josh Hader and was facing a 1-2 count with the game tied at 2-2.

It couldn’t have been more of a pressure-packed situation for Ibanez, who came through with a bases-clearing double against the five-time All-Star reliever, lacing a 98-mph fastball into the left field corner.

ANDY IBÁÑEZ CLEARS THE BASES!

THE GRITTY TIGS!!! pic.twitter.com/D0eYmY8Mjj

— MLB (@MLB) October 2, 2024

That clutch hit was the difference, as Detroit’s bullpen was able to get the final six outs to preserve a 5-2 win for the Tigers, who swept the best-of-three series despite being on the road.

The Tigers have now advanced to the ALDS, where they will face the Cleveland Guardians.

Ibanez is a platoon player who specializes in hitting off lefties. In the regular season, he had an .802 OPS against lefties and .407 OPS against right-handers. Ibanez had been hitting under .200 since the All-Star break, but he came up big on Wednesday when his team needed it the most.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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