The Detroit Tigers are on the verge of something remarkable, and it’s hard to believe this is actually happening.

But it’s real. Until it’s not, let your imagination run wild about what might come next.

Why stop dreaming now?

The Tigers are just one win away from the American League Championship Series after their 3-0 victory against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday during Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Comerica Park.

Once again, the Tigers showcased their unique strategy:

The starting pitcher lasted for just one inning. The reliever took over for three innings. And the occasional closer pitched two innings in the middle of the game.

The player who typically bats fourth, but not always, delivered a crucial hit that his manager expected before the game.

And the reliever who struggled in Game 1?

Tyler Holton redeemed himself by securing the save, striking out Austin Hedges to close the game. Redemption? Nope. These Tigers trust in faith, and possibly fate—can you blame them?

A.J. Hinch: The Conductor of Tigers’ Playoff Brilliance

A.J. Hinch remains confident. He consistently demonstrates his prowess as a baseball strategist. Nearly every decision the Tigers’ manager makes is yielding positive results.

He anticipated pitching “chaos” before the playoffs started, and that’s exactly what he got. He fills out his lineup using a blend of statistics, matchups, and instinct, not worrying about individual feelings.

Disregard roles and titles, he emphasizes; these are the playoffs, and these are the Tigers—our Tigers. They are opting for rookies, Triple-A call-ups, underappreciated trades, and a few veterans—though the term “veteran” is relative on this team.

The Tigers are young, fearless, and gaining confidence with every game, unafraid of stepping up to hit or pitch at any moment. If the manager feels like the team’s best hitter should be substituted in the fifth inning for a better matchup, so be it—just go after it, Justyn-Henry Malloy.

You could picture Kerry Carpenter expressing that sentiment when Hinch replaced him with Malloy, having a runner on first and one out. He’s made similar statements in the past regarding such situations.

Here’s the Game 2 hero—along with pitching ace Tarik Skubal—who achieved status in Detroit sports history with a crucial home run on Monday in Cleveland, finding himself on the bench Wednesday to allow the team to play the odds.

That’s part of the magic.

How else can you explain the continual successes?

Tenacity? Determination? Composure?

Absolutely. Those qualities are evident for all to see.

When the Guardians had runners on first and second and the Tigers switched pitchers for the third time in an inning—from Beau Brieske to Sean Guenther to Will Vest—when the No. 2 hitter smacked a hard line drive to third base?

Of course, Matt Vierling was poised to jump perfectly at third base to snatch the ball, ending the threat. Naturally, Vierling would leap again, this time heading toward the dugout, pumping his fist and shouting the words the entire city wanted to declare:

“Let’s (expletive) Go!!!”

Tigers Generating a New Kind of Excitement

You get the picture. And if you’re just tuning in, you’re not alone. The buzz is building with each game, driven by clutch decisions, pivotal hits, and crucial pitches.

That designated cleanup hitter?

That’s Riley Greene, a naturally talented player who has faced challenges in the playoffs but spoke confidently before the game about his team and teammates, showing no signs of pressure.

When he stepped up to bat with Parker Meadows on second, ready to take an early lead in the first inning, the All-Star effortlessly connected for a single hit right up the middle.

Five innings later, his close friend in the clubhouse, Spencer Torkelson, also contributed by bringing in his first run. The once-criticized first baseman, who carried the pressure of being a high draft pick, finally made a hit after going hitless in his previous 12 postseason at-bats.

Torkelson hit a 92 mph fastball down the left-field line, scoring Colt Keith. He raised his arm as he reached second base, feeling a rush of relief, not to mention elation.

Speaking of Colt Keith, he’s another fearless rookie thriving on a team full of young talent, accomplishing things that seem improbable. Like Keider Montero, who pitched brilliantly, needing just six pitches to retire three batters.

Or Brant Hurter, who followed Montero and completed 3⅓ innings, before handing the ball off to Brieske, then Guenther, Vest, and finally Holton.

Got all that?

Good. Because these Tigers are clearly on their game and keep delivering thrilling moments.

Pitching chaos?

Definitely.

Yet this barely scratches the surface of the excitement unfolding with our baseball team right now. Perhaps we could label it playoff chaos, too?