When you think of first basemen in a Detroit Tigers uniform, a walk-off bunt is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of game-winning hits. John Hicks was one of just two people in the stadium that knew what he was planning.
“I went over to Mac (James McCann), and I said, ‘I’m gonna bunt. I’m gonna bunt to first. JaCoby will score easily.’ And Mac was like, ‘Really?'”
With Tampa Bay first baseman Brad Miller playing in a position that would normally be a open space in the infield, closer to second base, it made sense. When Miller and Tampa pitcher Matt Andriese collided trying to make a play at the plate to throw out JaCoby Jones, who was standing on third after scorching a leadoff triple, Hicks looked like a genius as the Tigers picked up a 3-2, 12 inning, win. Even manager Ron Gardenhire was left wishing he;d thought of it.
“I thought he was going to drive a ball in the gap. You know what? I’m happy. I wish I could’ve said I put a squeeze on. I would have loved to have been able to tell you that.” Gardenhire said.
Hicks got the start at first as Miguel Cabrera was out of the lineup nursing an injured bicep.
On the mound, it was another fantastic outing for a Tiger starter, with Michael Fulmer pitching six strong innings, holding Tampa Bay to just two runs. The bullpen was even better, leaving the Rays scoreless in the six innings they pitched. Gardenhire had to use six pitchers out of the bullpen; Alex Wilson, Daniel Stumpf, Joe Jimenez, Shane Greene, Buck Farmer, and Warwick Saupold, but they all got the job done, and Saupold was able to score his first win of the season.
Detroit had to quickly hop a plane to Kansas City as they’ll open their series with the Royals today at 2:10pm Eastern. Mike Fiers (2-2, 3.91 ERA) will face KC’s Eric Skoglund (1-2, 6.23 ERA).
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