Tigers' most unlikely hero may have saved the season in Guardians finale

Entering their game against the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night, things were looking bleak for the Detroit Tigers. The team that had been at the top of not only the American League Central, but the American League, had suddenly found themselves looking up to the Guardians in the division and with four games left in the regular season, still without a confirmed spot in the playoffs.

After losing the first two games to the Guardians on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jahmai Jones instantlyprovided a jolt last night for a Tigers team that had previously been lifeless.

As Tigers play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti suggested, Jones' home run to lead off the game on Thursday night was exactly what the Tigers needed. Before Thursday night, the Guardians' handling of the Tigers to start the crucial series seemed to have left Detroit shook. Of course, it didn't help matters that Tarik Skubal seemed to be rattled during his start on Tuesday night when his pitch hit David Fry in the face after he was trying to square up a bunt.

One unexpected Tigers contributor might have just changed everything

Jones' home run provided the Tigers with an early 1-0 lead on Thursday and they never looked back. When all was said and done, the Tigers hit three home runs en route to a 4-2 victory over the Guardians.

Entering the weekend, the Tigers still are looking to leapfrog the Guardians for the division title. The Guardians' magic number to clinch the division is 3, while the Tigers' magic number for a postseason berth is 2. Unfortunately, the Guardians do hold the tiebreaker over the Tigers.

In a season where the likes to Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene, and Spencer Torkelson have been igniters for the offense, Jones proved once again that he is an invaluable piece on the roster. Playing with four different teams over the first four years of his career, Jones may have found a permanent home with the Tigers this season. After his heroics against the Guardians, Jones is now carrying a wRC+ of 155 with 7 home runs in 143 plate appearances with the Tigers this season.

Beyond that, Jones' swing could be the one that ended the dreadful September once and for all for the Tigers.

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