Tigers fans came to Comerica Park to see history from Miguel Cabrera, who entered the game with 2,999 career hits after Tuesday’s three-hit night.
With one more chance at history in the bottom of the eighth, Cabrera stepped to the plate with runners on second and third and two outs, and the crowd rose to its feet to witness a milestone.
Instead, it mercilessly booed as Yankees manager Aaron Boone held up four fingers, intentionally walking Cabrera to load the bases.
The intentional walk brought up Austin Meadows, a Yankee killer but a lefty who would be facing southpaw reliever Lucas Luetge, who had faced Cabrera just once in his career, 10 long years ago. Tigers fans understandably hated the move, while Boone understandably didn’t want Cabrera facing a lefty, with New York trying to keep the deficit at 1-0 with one more crack at a comeback in the ninth.
Ironically, Meadows promptly blooped a two-run double to left center to extend Detroit’s lead to 3-0, and after cheering the clutch knock, Detroit fans quickly went back to booing the Yankees.
Cabrera himself motioned to the crowd in an effort to limit their frustration, but thousands felt robbed at a chance of seeing history.
Fortunately, Cabrera will still have a chance to get 3,000 at home, as the Tigers host the Rockies for a three-game set beginning on Friday.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram