Dillon Dingler's First Postseason Homer Powers Tigers to Wild-Card Series Victory

Dillon Dingler, a 27-year-old Massilon, Ohio, native and 2020 second-round pick, delivered his first career postseason hit, home run, and RBI in a crucial moment for the Detroit Tigers. After starting the AL wild-card series against the Cleveland Guardians 0-for-9, Dingler hit a 401-foot solo shot to left-center in the top of the sixth inning at Progressive Field, giving Detroit a 2-1 lead. This blast, which came two innings after he threw out José Ramírez attempting to steal, broke a tie and ignited the Tigers' offense. Detroit, which had left 15 runners on base in a Game 2 defeat, recorded more hits with runners in scoring position in the seventh inning than it had all series, securing a 6-3 victory on Thursday. Despite the Guardians winning the AL Central after overcoming a 15.5-game July lead by the Tigers, Detroit is advancing to face the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS.