The Detroit Tigers are set to face off against the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday for game one of the American League Division Series (ALDS). The matchup will take place at Progressive Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 1:08 p.m. ET.
The Guardians enter the game as -145 moneyline favorites, with the total run line set at seven runs.
In a remarkable Wild Card round, Detroit achieved a stunning sweep over the Houston Astros. The team finished the second half of the season with a record of 39-26, marking its first playoff appearance since 2014.
Cleveland, on the other hand, secured a bye in the first round after concluding the regular season with an impressive 92-69 record, winning the American League Central division by 6.5 games.
The Guardians dominated the regular season series against the Tigers, winning 7 of the 13 matchups, including four of the last five encounters.
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Are the Tigers a Team to Watch?
Detroit’s unexpected triumph against Houston in the Wild Card series showcased their resilience. The Tigers took an early lead in game one and executed a thrilling comeback in game two, reflecting their tenacious spirit. The team’s bullpen, despite being heavily utilized, managed to limit Houston to just two runs and five hits in their last encounter.
“Our city is built on grit,” said Detroit manager A.J. Hinch. “I aimed to create a team that our city would be proud of, and I believe we’ve accomplished that through our determination.”
For game one, the Tigers are expected to employ an opener strategy, possibly featuring left-hander Tyler Holton, who pitched in both Wild Card games, or right-hander Reese Olson, who is returning from the injured list with a controlled pitch count. This season, Detroit’s bullpen has been exceptional, boasting a 3.55 ERA and 1.14 WHIP, a trend that continued against Houston.
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Cleveland’s Stronghold at Home
Cleveland finished its regular season on a mixed note, achieving two victories against Cincinnati while suffering two losses to Houston. The Guardians’ offense was average, ranking 17th in wOBA (.306) and wRC+ (100) but displayed effectiveness with the fifth-lowest strikeout rate (20.2%) in the league. Conversely, their pitching staff excelled, posting a 3.61 ERA, ranking third overall.
Cleveland’s successful regular season, featuring a 50-30 home record and a solid 30-22 mark against division rivals, earned them a well-deserved bye. However, they now face a Tigers team that is on a roll.
“The Tigers have shown their potential all season, and their late surge is a testament to their talent and coaching,” said Guardians head coach Steven Vogt. “They apply pressure and make you compete for every out.”
Starting for Cleveland in Saturday’s opener will be right-hander Tanner Bibee. The 25-year-old concluded the season with a 12-8 record, a 3.47 ERA, and a 1.12 WHIP over 31 starts. In his last outing, he held the Cincinnati Reds to just one run and four hits over seven innings. Bibee has faced the Tigers four times this season, allowing four runs in the first two games and three in the last two. The current Tigers lineup has posted a .316 batting average, .373 on-base percentage, and a .926 OPS against him in their combined 76 at-bats.
Best Bets for Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
After accurately predicting Detroit’s victories in both Wild Card games, the momentum appears to favor the Tigers as they head into this matchup. The Astros struggled to contend with the red-hot Tigers, and this competitive edge should carry into Saturday’s game.
With a quick Wild Card round completion, Detroit’s bullpen is well-rested and poised to impact game one significantly. The Tigers’ relievers have proven their worth, effectively handling the pressure of postseason play against a desperate Houston lineup.
The bullpen has excelled recently, maintaining a remarkable 2.41 ERA over the past 30 days. This performance bodes well against a Guardians offense that faltered in the second half of the season, ranking 27th in wOBA (.295) and 23rd in wRC+ (93).
Additionally, the Tigers’ offense has shown resilience. Nicknamed the “Gritty Tigers,” they have a reputation for delivering timely hits, especially against Bibee, who has a struggling 1-3 record with a 5.28 ERA in six career appearances against them. With Detroit ranking second in FanGraphs’ clutch rating over the last two weeks, a strong performance is anticipated, leading to a potential Tigers win.
