Jackson Jobe, MLB top prospect, gives up Tigers lead in wild Game 2 vs. Astros in playoffs

Jackson Jobe 's playoff debut for the Detroit Tigers did not go as planned.

Jobe, 22, made his MLB debut last week with four scoreless innings across two relief appearances, entered in the seventh inning Wednesday in Game 2 of the American League wild-card series at Minute Maid Park in Houston. The Tigers held a 1-0 lead, nine outs from advancing to the ALDS and a Game 1 date with Cleveland on Saturday.

Jobe, the No. 3 overall pick by the Tigers in 2021, faced five batters, getting one out, and allowing two runs scored (one earned).

It was an inauspicious appearance right from the beginning. Jobe, baseball's top pitching prospect and No. 2 overall prospect by Baseball America, hit left-hander Victor Caratini with his first pitch, an up-and-in 90 mph cutter.

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The next batter, Jeremy Peña, looped a single to center field on a 2-2 inside 98 mph fastball.

After a short delay on a 2-0 count because Jobe's PitchCom system was not working, Mauricio Dubón hit a tremendous bunt single to third baseman Zach McKinstry.

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The Astros then tied the game, when pinch-hitter Jon Singleton reached on a fielder's choice to first baseman Spencer Torkelson. Torkelson's throw one-hopped to catcher Jake Rogers, who couldn't corral it, allowing Caratini to score.

Jose Altuve then hit a shallow ball to right field in foul territory, caught by right fielder Matt Vierling. However, Vierling had a slight hesitation after catching the ball, and the Astros' gutsy baserunning paid off as Peña beat the tag from Rogers.

Jobe was pulled after 15 pitches (eight strikes), getting one out, trailing 2-1.

Sean Guenther, the Tigers' unsung bullpen hero in their playoff push , relieved Jobe with runners on the corners, and induced a clutch 4-6-3 double play from Kyle Tucker to end the inning.

The Tigers quickly responded, however, tying the game in the eighth inning with two hits and a wild pitch, then took a 5-2 lead with a bases-clearing, two-out double down the left-field line from pinch-hitter Andy Ibanez off Astros closer Josh Hader.

Jobe is considered a high-level prospect because of the combination of elite stuff and an ability to throw a four-pitch mix. He has a fastball that can hit triple digits, along with a cutter, changeup and wipeout slider considered elite by scouts.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jackson Jobe, MLB top prospect, gives up Tigers lead in wild Game 2 vs. Astros in playoffs