### Tigers Face High-Stakes Game 2 Against Astros in AL Wild-Card Series

The Detroit Tigers are set to clash with the Houston Astros in Game 2 of the AL wild-card series on a critical Wednesday afternoon. Coming into the game with a 1-0 series lead, the Tigers are just one win away from advancing in MLB's playoffs. They narrowly secured a 3-1 victory in Game 1 at Minute Maid Park thanks to an almost lockdown performance from starter Tarik Skubal and a resilient bullpen.

Manager A.J. Hinch opted for an unconventional strategy in Game 2, starting with Tyler Holton as an opener. Holton pitched just one inning before handing over the mound to Brenan Hanifee and later to Brant Hurter. Detroit took a temporary 1-0 lead in the sixth inning following a solo home run by Parker Meadows. However, the Tigers soon found themselves trailing 2-1 in the eighth inning.

Houston named Hunter Brown, a Detroit native and Wayne State graduate, as their starter for Game 2. Brown delivered a solid performance, amassing nine strikeouts over 5⅔ innings, and allowed only two hits before conceding Meadows' home run. Though he initially dominated the Tigers' lineup, Detroit managed to pressure him late in his outing.

Hinch's decision to call upon rookie Jackson Jobe out of the bullpen backfired. Jobe, making only his third MLB appearance, struggled by loading the bases with a walk, bunt single, and hit by pitch. The Astros capitalized with an infield single and sacrifice fly, seizing a 2-1 lead. Reliever Sean Guenther then came in to limit further damage by inducing an inning-ending double play.

The Tigers' bullpen continued to face challenges. Brant Hurter allowed a single and hit a batter before being relieved by Beau Brieske, who successfully navigated a tricky situation. Brieske prevailed against Houston's powerful lineup, including a key strikeout against Kyle Tucker to end the fifth inning.

Earlier in the game, the Tigers found it tough going against Brown's combination of sinkers, changeups, and curveballs. By the third inning, he had already struck out five Tigers, highlighting their struggle to get on base.

Detroit remains hopeful for a series-clinching win as they gear up for Game 2. Fans back home are intensely involved, with Comerica Park hosting watch parties to rally support for the team. Game 2 is being aired on ABC and can also be streamed online. According to BetMGM, the Astros are the favorites with a 61% chance of winning, underscoring the high stakes for both teams.