The (2-2) Detroit Tigers will face off against the (2-2) Cleveland Guardians on Saturday in the decisive fifth game of the ALDS. The match is set to take place at Progressive Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:08 p.m. ET, following a change in schedule due to adverse weather conditions.
The Tigers are favored with a moneyline of -113, and the total runs expected for the game is six.
Cleveland secured a bye for the first round after finishing the season with an impressive 92-69 record, claiming the American League Central division title by a margin of 6.5 games.
Detroit made waves by sweeping Houston in the Wild Card round and finished the latter half of the season with a record of 39-26, marking their first playoff appearance since 2014.
In their regular season matches, Cleveland edged Detroit with a 7-6 series win, taking four of the last five encounters.
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Tigers Rely on Tarik Skubal’s Performance
After a disappointing loss at home, Detroit needs to perform under pressure in Cleveland. The Tigers left eight runners on base during Thursday’s game, sending 44,923 fans home disappointed. The silver lining? Their ace, Tarik Skubal, is ready to take the mound for the series finale.
“We’re still one win away,” Detroit first baseman Spencer Torkelson stated. “That’s the mindset. We don’t want it easy. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy.” Manager A.J. Hinch added, “It’s always comforting to have Tarik Skubal on the mound.”
Skubal, a candidate for the Cy Young Award, has proven himself against the Guardians in the ALDS, maintaining a scoreless streak twice and allowing only seven hits, one walk, and striking out 14 in 13 innings. He also limited Cleveland to a single run in seven innings during the regular season. With an impressive record of 18 wins, a 0.92 WHIP, and a 10.69 K/9 ratio, all eyes will be on him to deliver a stellar performance on Saturday.
Injury Report: C Jake Rogers (wrist) is probable, while RF Kerry Carpenter (hamstring) is questionable.
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Cleveland’s Moment of Truth
Cleveland faced a critical moment on Thursday, bouncing back from two consecutive scoreless games to secure a 5-4 victory over Detroit. The Guardians took an early lead in the first inning and built upon it with additional runs in the fifth, seventh, and ninth, effectively holding off the Tigers. They managed to restrict Detroit to just 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position, ending a streak of 11 losses in postseason elimination games dating back to the 1997 World Series.
“We’ve shown that all year long, that’s who these guys are,” 1B David Fry, who contributed one home run and three RBIs, commented. “We have a bunch of tough dudes. We get down 2-1, and we’re in the locker room like it’s just another day. We show up ready to play to try and get a win. And let’s go win Game 5.”
Starting for the Guardians on Saturday will be left-hander Matthew Boyd. The 33-year-old posted a 2-2 record with a 2.72 ERA and 1.13 WHIP during the regular season. He held the Tigers scoreless for 4.2 innings in game two, allowing four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Boyd’s journey this season included a significant recovery and rehab from elbow surgery, but he has been consistent since his return, allowing two or fewer runs in seven of his eight outings. His statistics include a 10.44 K/9, a 0.91 HR/9, and a 3.10 xERA.
Injury Report: CF Tyler Freeman (oblique) is questionable.
Best Bets for Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
Betting Trend: Detroit has a record of 52-31 in its last 83 games (+21.65 units/21% ROI).
Saturday’s contest promises to be intense and thrilling, with action that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. However, the outcome is likely to remain a fond memory for Tigers supporters, as their pitching advantage is expected to outshine Cleveland’s efforts.
With Skubal on the mound, Detroit holds the upper hand in ALDS Game 5, showcasing a starting pitcher that Cleveland is currently lacking. Both teams possess strong bullpens, yet the Tigers can rely on their top relievers thanks to their starting pitching strength. Furthermore, Detroit’s offense has consistently delivered in crucial moments throughout the postseason, contrasting with the Guardians, who faced a 20-inning scoreless stretch earlier this week.
The Tigers’ remarkable winning streak is anticipated to continue in Cleveland. A bet on the Detroit moneyline appears to be the smart choice.
