The Detroit Tigers secured a crucial victory in the American League Division Series (ALDS) on October 8, 2023, defeating the Seattle Mariners 9-3 in Game 4. Rookie right-hander Troy Melton emerged as an unexpected hero, showcasing his talent in a high-pressure situation.
Manager A.J. Hinch decided to pull starter Casey Mize after the third inning, opting instead to rely on the bullpen for the remaining 18 outs. Hinch believed that using multiple pitchers would provide the best chance to keep the game competitive and secure a win. As the Tigers faced a three-run deficit in the fifth inning, Melton was called upon to deliver.
With the score at 3-0 in favor of the Mariners, Melton entered the game and quickly made his mark. He pitched three scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing no runs on two hits and one walk. The Tigers’ offense rallied during his outing, scoring three runs in the fifth to tie the game, followed by four more in the sixth inning, giving them a commanding lead.
Melton’s performance was integral to the Tigers’ advancement in the postseason. He has now pitched in both of the team’s victories in the ALDS, allowing just one run over seven innings across two games. The 24-year-old, a fourth-round draft pick in 2022, expressed his readiness to contribute further, stating, “I’ll be ready if they need me,” for the winner-take-all Game 5.
In Game 4, Melton experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. He began warming up while the Tigers were trailing but took the mound just as the team tied the game. His confidence soared as he watched the offense surge, and he embraced the opportunity to secure a win. “Honestly, it doesn’t change too much. I can attack the zone a little bit more, but other than that, I’m happy that we’re scoring runs and have a chance to win,” he noted.
One of Melton’s standout moments came when he threw his fastest pitch of the night, a 99.7 mph fastball, to Randy Arozarena with two runners on base in the sixth inning. This fastball was part of a high-velocity sequence that demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure. Melton’s fastball averaged 97 mph during the regular season, generating a remarkable 29.7% whiff rate overall, significantly higher than the league average.
While Melton’s fastball has garnered attention, he has also been refining his splitter, which proved effective in Game 4. After struggling with command earlier in the season, he executed a perfectly placed splitter against left-handed hitter Luke Raley, resulting in a swing-and-miss strikeout. “I’ve struggled with the splitter a little bit this year… but I’ve struggled commanding it. In the last three or four outings, it’s been really good for me, so I’m building confidence with that,” Melton explained.
Beyond his pitch selection, Melton’s composure on the mound has impressed teammates and coaching staff alike. If the Tigers are to advance further in the postseason, they will rely on a strong performance from reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal in Game 5, with the potential for Melton to play a pivotal role once again.
“None of that is surprising to me,” Skubal said. “It doesn’t seem like the moment gets too big for him. He just focuses on what he does, and that’s throwing strikes, going right at guys.”
As the Tigers prepare for the decisive game, the contributions of rookie sensations like Melton could be the key to their playoff success. With the postseason spotlight shining bright, Melton has proven he is ready to rise to the occasion.