The atmosphere in the Detroit Tigers’ locker room was eerily quiet.

It felt devoid of energy, similar to a balloon deflated after the Cleveland Guardians’ narrow 5-4 victory over the Tigers in Game 4 of the American League division series last night.

Both teams will face off again in an elimination match this Saturday in Cleveland’s Progressive Field.

“We’ve had to fight hard to reach this stage,” stated Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling on Thursday night. “We’ll need to continue that tenacity to secure a win in Game 5.”

This team has been gearing up for high-pressure situations. The Tigers have been in must-win scenarios for two months.

However, this moment is unlike any other.

This is a time when their backs are genuinely against the wall.

“It’s frustrating,” Vierling admitted. “But we have to push past it and prepare ourselves for Game 5. I have faith that this group is resilient; we’ve tackled difficulties together this season. We’re a tough team.”

Their resilience will face another challenge.

On a brighter note, the Tigers have a significant advantage.

Tarik Skubal, the top pitcher in the American League, is set to pitch in Game 5.

“He’s made for big moments and has immense confidence,” said Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson. “Losing is tough, no matter if it’s Game 50 or October. We absolutely despise losing.”

The implications of a loss

This loss carries multiple layers of consequences.

If the Tigers had triumphed on Thursday, Skubal would have pitched in Game 1 of the ALCS, a critical opportunity to establish dominance.

Now, that opportunity has vanished.

They need Skubal to perform at his peak just to keep their postseason hopes alive.

“Having Tarik Skubal on the mound is always a comforting thought,” remarked Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.

If you’re curious about Hinch’s strategy and words for the team, he has already begun to communicate his thoughts since Thursday evening.

“These elimination games are incredible,” Hinch shared. “Everything we’ve labored for brings us to Saturday. Our players will have a chance to regroup, we’ll pack up tonight, hop on a plane, and we’ll have a brief practice. We’ll be on their home field, and I anticipate them coming prepared to compete. Why wouldn’t both teams give it their all on Saturday?”

On the downside, there was another significant concern from Thursday’s game.

Kerry Carpenter sustained a leg injury while rounding third base.

“We’re going to run tests on his left hamstring,” Hinch stated. “Whenever a player of his caliber exits the game, it’s concerning, but I won’t speculate until we get the doctors’ feedback and the necessary imaging before Saturday.”

Emergence of leadership

A team can reveal a great deal about itself after a defeat, as genuine leadership often shines through.

Late Thursday night, there was a notable moment.

In the stillness of the locker room, Vierling approached rookie shortstop Trey Sweeney.

“I told him, ‘Great job tonight,'” Vierling recalled. “‘You really put in the effort out there.’

This is the true mark of a leader.

It wasn’t empty encouragement; it was a sincere acknowledgment of effort.

It represented the kind of camaraderie and support that can drive a team to new heights.

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“It’s what I took away from Philly,” Vierling expressed. “Of course, we’re all feeling let down. But what’s our alternative? We must keep moving forward and stay balanced.”

Keep moving forward.

Hasn’t that been the mantra of this team?

Struggling and persevering without ever backing down?

No matter how severe the challenge?

What? You don’t recall the trade deadline?

Despite the team appearing downcast on Thursday night, I still noticed a spark. Torkelson sauntered through the clubhouse, greeting a teammate with a fist pump.

“We don’t want it to be easy,” Torkelson commented, beaming.

He echoed that sentiment to the media.

“We’re still one win away,” Torkelson noted. “That’s the attitude. We don’t want it handed to us; we anticipated it wouldn’t be straightforward. And we prefer it this way.”

Now, that’s not completely accurate.

They would certainly have preferred to secure this victory.

But so what? This entire season has posed challenges for them.

“Same game, same game,” Torkelson remarked. “I believe we’ve demonstrated a lot of determination over the course of this entire year, particularly in these past months. It’s the same matchup, whether it’s Game 1 or an elimination contest; they will come at us hard, and we will do the same. I’m confident in our prospects.”

So here we stand.

Game 5.

Skubal takes the mound.

The Tigers face another do-or-die scenario.

Which has been the narrative of this season.