As the Detroit Tigers made their first MLB playoff appearance in a decade on the road Tuesday, enthusiastic fans cheered them on from their home ballpark.

Dressed in Tigers orange, blue, and white, spectators filled the stands near right field, grabbing their favorite snacks and drinks to enjoy the game. Fans broke out in cheers and boos throughout the game, a sign of their loyalty to the Tigers.

Thomas Deppont, 25, of Detroit, has come to several Tigers games this season and is happy to support the team, Deppont said.

"We're here because we love the Tigers and we want to watch the game surrounded by other Tigers fans," Deppont said.

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The Tigers, who were 47-50 and 6½ games out of a playoff spot at the All-Star break, beat the Houston Astros in Houston Tuesday, in Game 1 of the best-of-three American League wild-card series.

The Tigers making it to the playoffs represents a thrilling opportunity, Deppont said.

"I'm very excited, I was a little child when they made it last time, probably in middle school and it's a big surprise but I'm very excited and I can't really believe that it happened the way it did," Deppont said.

The watch party provided an opportunity for baseball's faithful to receive giveaways and enjoy the game. The first 500 fans received a free t-shirt, free Little Caesars pizza, and Pepsi products, with a portion of ticket sales benefitting the Detroit Tigers Foundation.

“Obviously the season went out up and down … but now I’m excited,” said Scott Cyska, 53 of Detroit, who identified himself as a season ticket holder.

Cyska said he’s hoping the Tigers beat the Astros, giving him at least two games to catch at Comerica Park during the playoffs.

“They have probably the youngest team in baseball now, I think this team has got some years ahead of them,” Cyska said.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

Jalen Williams is a reporting intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Watch party cheers on Detroit Tigers from afar in MLB playoffs