The stage was set for something special at Comerica Park.
Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera, one hit away from 3,000, stepped to the plate with runners on second and third with two outs with a 1-0 lead.
The hometown fans, waiting with anticipation, along with cut ins across the country on a couple of television networks.
None of that mattered to Aaron Boone.
The New York Yankees manager elected to intentionally walk Cabrera with left-hander Lucas Luetge on the mound and no one warming up in the bullpen. The move sent the Comerica Park crowd into a frenzy.
It’s the right move strategically. But those looking to witness rare baseball history were far from happy with the Bronx Bombers, who ended up losing to the Tigers, 3-0.
[ Tigers fans felt robbed when Yankees walked Miguel Cabrera on purpose. I don’t blame them ]
Boone said after the game the decision to walk Cabrera was far from easy.
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After the walk, left-handed hitter Austin Meadows looped the next pitch into center for a two-run double, lifting the Tigers to a 3-0 win.
Cabrera, on his way back to the dugout, tried to let the fans know he didn’t mind the decision, pointing to the scoreboard and showing three fingers for the Tigers’ 3-0 lead.
He went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts, but postgame was in a jovial mood, happy for the win and that his on-base percentage rose with the intentional walk.
[ Miguel Cabrera is chasing history, but his main concern now: Tigers are struggling ]
All in all, a win for karma and the Tigers.
Contact Kirkland Crawford: kcrawford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @HiKirkHere.