Dan Dickerson's call of Zach McKinstry's clutch hit injected life into Tigers fans

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. When it was McKinstry that had the go-ahead knock against Seattle, it was oddly fitting considering the scuffed nature of how the Tigers made the playoffs at all.

However, it was broadcaster Dan Dickerson's call of McKinstry's clutch moment that may resonate down the road with fans especially if the Tigers can keep the good times rolling.

Tigers fans have to be hyped after Dan Dickerson's call in extra innings

There is nothing "wrong" with the national broadcasters during the playoffs. They do a good job with their play-by-play and analysis on the fly, but they also can come across as very sterile. In some ways, there is too much polish to resonate with the fanbases involved, even if it is the right call considering the national audience watching.

Dickerson's call was different. It was a clean one that rose to the moment and told the story, but there was also something visceral about it. Dickerson was trying to temper his excitement and failed, which, for Tigers fans that have been through the wringer over the last couple of months, is certainly relatable.

For Detroit fans, having that connection to the action is what matters and Dickerson absolutely nailed it. Yes, being cautious with your optimism right now is wise as Seattle can really pitch. Unfortunately, Kerry Carpenter doesn't own other Mariners pitchers like he does George Kirby. If the Tigers can win on Sunday night and pull out to a 2-0 lead somehow, one suspects that Dickerson's calls may be even more of the perfect type of unhinged.