Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Javier Baez Doubters Blasted by Jack Flaherty After Tigers' Win Over Guardians

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Oct 3, 2025 2:08 PM ET

Summary Points:

Jack Flaherty was emotional after the Tigers' win Thursday
He had a special message for doubters of Javy Baez
Flaherty fired a strongly-worded, parting shot at the Guardians

The Detroit Tigers clinched a spot in the American League Division Series on Thursday with a 6-3 road win over the Cleveland Guardians, the team that overcame a 15 1/2 game deficit to win the AL Central prior to the series.

Afterward, Game 3 starter Jack Flaherty had strong words on both the Guardians' comeback in the AL Central and Tigers All-Star Javier Baez, who impressed in the field and at the plate on Thursday at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

Flaherty couldn't help but let loose after he silenced the doubters, leading the Tigers to a second road win in three tries against their inter-divisional arch nemeses.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty (9) gets ready to pitch against Cleveland Guardians during the second inning of Game 3 of AL wild-card series at Progressive Field in Cleveland on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Flaherty Lets Loose in Post-Game Interview

Flaherty spoke to Detroit reporter Jennifer Hammond after the game and had strong words for fans and doubters of the Tigers.

"(I've) been pitching winner-go-home games since I was 23," Flaherty said, praising the Tigers' offense.

Baez's defensive effort was spotlighted by Hammond and Flaherty.

"For anybody who wrote that guy off, you guys, you gotta look in the mirror, especially after what he did this year, and how incredible he was...That guy comes to play, he was incredible," Flaherty said.

Flaherty No Frills Message to Guardians After Big Win

Flaherty couldn't help but gloat a bit after Detroit's big win. He dismissed Cleveland's 15 1/2 game comeback earlier this season as he sent a message to baseball fans in Detroit and elsewhere.

"This Cleveland team is gritty and they just keep coming," Hammond said.

"It doesn't matter, we play the game hard," Flaherty said, "We're gonna win, that's what it's about, doesn't matter 15 1/2, you can take that and shove it where the sun don't shine, we're movin' on," he said.

Jack Flaherty with some strong words after #WildCard win with @HammerFox2 ! #Tigers #MLBPostseason pic.twitter.com/PxblF9VMEU
— FOX 2 Sports (@FOX2Sports) October 3, 2025

Next up for Detroit is a road game against Dan Wilson's Seattle Mariners on Saturday night in what should be an exciting atmosphere at T-Mobile Park.

The Tigers lost four of six games to the M's during the regular season and now have a chance to right the ship.

Baez, Flaherty and the rest of AJ Hinch's team won't be the favorites in round two, but that didn't stop them from shocking the baseball world in round one against a Guardians team that will now be forced to pack up shop and wait til next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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