In Game 2 of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians, the Tigers came out on top with a dramatic 3-0 victory. The game was on the line when Kerry Carpenter stepped up to bat in the ninth inning with two outs and two runners on base. Facing Cleveland’s ace closer, Emmanuel Clase, Carpenter crushed a slider for a three-run home run, sealing the win. This powerful moment capped off a game filled with thrilling plays and solid pitching from both teams.
The pitching, especially from Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, was a highlight of the game. Skubal threw seven scoreless innings, striking out eight and allowing only three hits. His performance was nearly perfect as he retired 13 consecutive batters, keeping Cleveland’s offense in check.
Skubal even managed to escape a couple of jams, including a critical 4-6-3 double play in the fifth inning that helped him avoid a scoring threat. Afterward, he received a handshake and hug from manager A.J. Hinch, a moment that underscored his dominant performance on the mound.
Cleveland’s pitchers also held their ground, with former Tiger Matthew Boyd delivering 4⅔ solid innings, striking out five. The Guardians’ bullpen was equally impressive, keeping Detroit from scoring until Carpenter’s dramatic homer in the ninth. However, the Guardians were unable to capitalize on their own scoring opportunities, with key moments like a controversial diving catch by left fielder Steven Kwan, which was upheld after review, and missed chances to bring runners into scoring positions.
Detroit’s defense also contributed to the win, with two impressive double plays turned by rookie players. In the sixth inning, the Tigers pulled off a crucial double play that prevented a scoring opportunity for Cleveland. These defensive plays were vital in supporting Skubal’s dominant pitching, keeping the Guardians from breaking through. After each escape from trouble, Skubal walked off the mound with confidence, pumping up the crowd and demonstrating his competitive spirit.
The game was a battle of stars, with Skubal’s pitching facing off against Cleveland’s star hitter, José Ramírez. Skubal successfully neutralized Ramírez in several key at-bats, striking him out twice and getting him to ground out. With Game 3 scheduled for Wednesday, the Tigers and Guardians now have an off day, with Detroit leading the series 2-0, hoping to carry their momentum back home to Comerica Park.
