Wednesday’s American League wild-card series was a classic example of the fact that money doesn’t get wins! It was Detroit Tigers vs Houston Astros and everyone had high hopes of the Houston Astros entering the series. They had a roster full of seasoned talents like Bryan Abrew, Ryan Pressly, and Josh Hader, who were added to the roster last season to shine bright, in such critical scenarios, and while Abreu did, the other two didn’t stand to the test. 

The Astros faced a shocking 5-2 defeat to the Tigers—a perfect underdog taking the win story. But what’s shocking is not just the roster but the financial disparity among the teams. For example, the Tigers’ entire roster earned a combined $18.8 million, which is less than Josh Hader’s salary of $19 million. Yet, Josh Hader failed to come through when the team needed him the most and now has to face the implications of his future.

Josh Hader failed to deliver when needed most

The Astros were looking promising after Abreu tossed a 1⅓ hitless inning. It gave them their first lead of the series in the seventh. Now, they relied on Ryan Pressly and Josh Hader, one of their highest-paid closers in the game, to work on their heroics. But neither could deliver. Pressly, who has a perfect 14-for-14 save record, dimmed in the eighth, allowing the tying run, leaving Josh Hader in a difficult position. 

Josh Hader entered the game confidently but quickly found himself in a pickle. After loading the bases by walking Spencer Torkelson, he hacked Andy Ibanez. Ibanez had been patiently waiting and when he saw the chance, he capitalized on Hader’s mistake. The Astros star had aimed for a 1-2 sinker, but the 97.6 mph sinker came in low and over the middle of the plate. Ibáñez took full advantage, lifting it down the left-field line to clear the bases with a three-run double, adding deep trouble for the Astros.

As the Tigers celebrated the win, the mood in the Houston Astros locker room was somber. “The one pitch got me. I made a mistake, and he took advantage of it. It’s easy to say I could have thrown a different pitch, but if I execute that pitch, he swings and misses, so you just tip your cap to him,” said Hader after the game. Well, Ibanez was doing his job, it’s just that Hader wasn’t able to do him, and it cost them the win. This moment hurt, reminding us that results matter more than money, with Hader earning $19 million while the Tigers having a small budget won. 

Detroit Tigers’ miracle run from 0.2% playoff chances to postseason glory!

The Detroit Tigers were having a fairytale season, and their run reached a new high as they swept the game with the Astros. They won 5-2 in the second AL Wild Card game. This win marked the Tigers’ first playoff series win in over 11 years and was a meaningful win for manager A. J. Hinch. Mostly because he had led the Astros to the World Series title in 2017, and this time the Tigers won against his prior team. It was a bittersweet moment, but Hinch was all smiles and celebrated with the team wholeheartedly. 

This season has been miraculous for the Tigers because they were given a mere 0.2% chance to even make it to the playoffs back in August. But look where they are now-they literally clawed their way into the postseason and even eliminated their opponent. “The mental grind of the season and putting it all together for this group, this team, and not just being satisfied just getting to the playoffs, but winning a playoff series and getting to go play a familiar team,” said Hinch full of gratitude for the team. 

The Tigers now cannot be counted as underdogs. They have proved that they are a formidable team, a team that can win it all. Now they are prepared to face the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. All eyes will be on A. J. Hinch and his team as they aim for their fifth World Series title. So, what do you think about the shocking gameplay that showed that money is not all that matters? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.