This week in the big leagues starts with an intriguing series between two of the powerhouse teams in the American League as the Detroit Tigers host the Oakland Athletics. The series opener on Monday night delivered plenty of drama as the Tigers earned an unlikely walk-off victory.
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Not many teams can say that they have overcome a three-run deficit in the ninth inning with Sean Doolittle in the game to close things out, but the Tigers are now one such team. On this night the hero, at least somewhat unlikely in his own right, was outfielder Rajai Davis. Having already been a consistent on-base guy who can steal bases, David has brought the Tigers a lot of value. Now he has delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the season as well.
Doolittle and his utter dominance in the closer’s role for the A’s has been one of the big and surprising stories of the season, especially given the fact that the team traded for Jim Johnson to be their closer before the season started. The way things are going these two teams just might be headed for more high-pressure games, and if this is a sign of things to come then baseball fans are in for a treat.
Check out video of the walk-off grand slam below, courtesy of MLB.com: