Wenceel Perez gets Tigers started in playoff debut

HOUSTON – Wenceel Perez relieved his pregame nerves by convincing himself that the first playoff game for the Tigers in 10 years was just another ordinary game. The Detroit Tigers’ rookie outfielder played in his first postseason game Tuesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. 

As the native of Azua, Dominican Republic, stepped over the white chalk on the third base side, the anxiety he felt in the top of the first inning eluded his mind. Chatting with his parents prior to the game also helped ease his thoughts. They wished him the best and filled him with positive thoughts. 

Hearing the chants of 40,617 opposing fans, and banter from the right field stands, didn’t faze Perez. He solely focused on having fun during the Tigers’ 3-1 victory over the Astros in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card. Perez collected two hits, including the first hit for the Tigers in Game 1.

Executing plan

Perez executed his game plan to perfection as he awaited Framber Valdez’s sinker. 

“He is an excellent pitcher that locates his pitches well,” Perez said of Valdez. “I was looking for a sinker to drive it the other way.”

Valdez threw a 95-mph sinker that Perez drove to right field. Perez was relieved his game plan worked, especially with the Astros ace on the mound.

“I was excited because I was able to accomplish the goal of my first postseason hit,” he said, “It felt great being able to get on base and start the rally that scored three runs.”

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Detroit ambushed Valdez in the second inning. After recording the first out in the second, the southpaw allowed a hit to Perez.

Valdez then walked Spencer Torkelson. Parker Meadows grounded out to Jose Altuve, Valdez was sure he was out the ending, but Meadows was safe at first.

First hit of the 2024 playoffs belongs to Wenceel Perez pic.twitter.com/zY1FNlyIYc

— The Pesky Report (@ThePeskyReport) October 1, 2024

What followed was three straight singles up the middle by Jake Rogers, Trey Sweeney and Matt Vierling. A stunned Astros crowd was silenced early.  

Tarik Skubal dominated Astros

Three runs was all the 2024 Triple Crown Winner Tarik Skubal needed to maneuver through Houston’s offense. Skubal threw six innings of four-hit ball. He shut out the Astros, who had the best record in baseball since June 1st. 

The potential Cy Young winner cruised the entire game. He threw two five-pitch innings. Skubal tossed 88 pitches and was pulled after six due to Skubal cramping during the game. He credits the trust of his change up as the difference maker on the mound. 

Just like Perez, Skubal overcame the stress of pitching in the postseason for the first time. 

“I think once you start playing catch and start getting your routine done, it kind of goes away,” Skubal said. “But definitely, leading up to it, you’re nervous. And I think being nervous is good because it means you care about what’s going on. So I always think it’s a good thing.

“This time, you kind of learn from those things and I’m able to go out and just worry about executing pitches. That’s when I’m at my best. Breathe, execute pitches. That’s all you can do when you’re out there. Once I got off the mound and fired my first pitch, I think all that stuff kind of goes away.”

Wenceel Perez part of young core

Wenceel Perez, 24, once played baseball with makeshift baseballs made out of socks. Now he is starting for the young Tigers. Since being promoted to the majors, Perez quickly transitioned into an instrumental part of Detroit’s lineup.

The Tigers were sellers at the trade deadline. They surprised many by qualifying for the postseason. However, the sixth seeded Tigers beat the 2022 World Series champion in game 1 of the American League Wild Card game. With Tarik Skubal out for the remainder of the series, Detroit will surely need to count on Perez and their young core to get past the Astros. 

“Winning the first game is very important,” Perez said. “It’s important because now you have the advantage. Tomorrow we have a chance to end the series.”