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↵Inge said that's automatic choice to throw to 2nd rather than 1st. Santiago said 1st thought was to cover 2nd. Both blame ump. #Tigers
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Brandon Inge also said it was "the only play," which replays would indicate is not exactly accurate. Yes, going to second is the throw to make in that situation most any other time, because it's the easiest throw, but a quick look at the runner in this instance would've provided enough time for Inge to hot route it and scamper to third for the final out.
This is what Inge said to MLIVE's Chris Iott after the game:
↵↵↵"I haven't looked at them [replays]. It's irrelevant. It's not going to make a difference. I still would do the same play. … I would have done it exactly the same way. It wouldn't change anything. ... It's very cut and dry. A ball hit to the left of you, you go to second base. … A ball hit dead at you, if you have the time, you go step on third or go across the infield. … But a ball to your left you go to second base, like, all the time. That's a fact."
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Of course, none of this matters if the rest of the Tigers hit the ball like Alex Avila does or Duane Below doesn't plunk and issue a free pass to consecutive hitters immediately prior to the frustrating walk-off fielder's choice. What's that? You don't mind all that as much? Okay, carry on with the Inge vitriol.