Tigers 2, Guardians 1
The Detroit Tigers defeat the Cleveland Guardians 2-1 on Tuesday to take a 1-0 lead in the AL Wild Card Series. Tarik Skubal was in peak form, and the Tigers took advantage of a couple of Guardians errors to take the first game of the series.
What Went Right for the Tigers
Tarik Skubal Dominates
In an era where relievers are crucial, the Tigers defeat the Guardians on the strength of their ace. Skubal was in control from the first inning. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner struck out a career-high 14 hitters in 7 2/3 innings, surrendering one run on three hits and three walks. He was regularly pumping fastballs over 100 mph, and the Guardians could not catch up to them.
“Tarik set an incredible tone for us,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “He’s been incredible for us all season, but what a performance at the biggest moments in the biggest stage to get us in a great position to win the game.”
The only time Skubal got into trouble was in the fourth inning when he gave up a run on an infield single. However, he avoided more trouble by striking out two hitters and inducing a groundout.
Skubal said controlling his emotions helped him get through the inning. “I think your breath is kind of probably the most important thing you can do. Just breathe out there,” he said. “I think a lot of moments that happen that are out of your control or in your control, you know, just breathe.”
Taking Advantage
The Guardians had the third-most errors in the league this year. That sloppiness played a glaring role Tuesday, and the Tigers defeated the Guardians as a result.
In the top of the first, Kerry Carpenter lined a two-out single into right field. Johnathan Rodriguez bobbled the ball, allowing Carpenter to head to second. Spencer Torkelson then drove in Carpenter, making the run unearned.
With the game tied at one, Riley Greene led off the seventh with a double. Then Jhonkensy Noel couldn’t find first base on a grounder, allowing Wenceel Perez to reach on an error and Greene to advance to third. After a strikeout, Perez scored on a Zach McKinstry sacrifice bunt, so Perez’s run was also unearned.
“You can play for the big inning, which we often do,” Hinch said. “But we have that play in our playbook for moments like this, where it was an extreme need to take the lead with so few outs left.”
What Went Wrong for the Tigers
Missed Opportunities
The Tigers had chances to break the game open. They went 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position. In the third inning, they got the first two men on, but a double play and a strikeout ended the rally.
In the ninth inning, the Tigers had a chance to get some key insurance runs on the board with runners on second and third with one out. However, a lineout and a strikeout ended the inning. The Tigers need to start converting those opportunities if they want a deep postseason run.
What Went Right for the Guardians
Williams Holds His Own
It’s not an easy task to go up against Tarik Skubal, but Gavin Williams stood up to the task. He went six innings, giving up five hits, one walk, and two unearned runs. He pounded the zone and kept the Guardians in it, even as they struggled to score off Skubal.
“Gavin was outstanding,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. Vogt added, “[Williams] filled up the strike zone, landing breaking stuff, getting swing and miss.”
What Went Wrong for the Guardians
Defensive Miscues
The Guardians made two crucial mistakes at key points in the game. They did it once in the first inning with two outs, and then again in the seventh. In a time when every out and run is magnified, those types of mistakes could be the difference between advancing to the next round and elimination.
“The first inning, you can’t give the extra 90 feet there,” Vogt said.
Guardians Ran Themselves Out of the Game
Jose Ramirez led off the bottom of the ninth as the tying run. He hit a sharp ground ball up the middle. Javier Baez fielded it and hurried a throw to first. The ball got away from Torkelson, and Ramirez wound up at third base. Then George Valera struck out swinging.
The next batter, Kyle Manzardo, hit a soft ground ball back to the mound. Ramirez broke for the plate, but was tagged out in a rundown by pitcher Will Vest. C.J. Kayfus then popped out to end the game. The Guardians had a prime opportunity to tie the game, but couldn’t get the run in.
“That ball’s two feet either way, he scores,” Vogt said. “It just happened to go right back to Vest. So, we play aggressive. We always do. I wouldn’t play that any other way.”
Looking Ahead
Game two of the series starts at 1:08 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday and will be broadcast on ESPN. Casey Mize (14-6, 3.87 ERA) toes the rubber for the Tigers. Tanner Bibee (12-11, 4.24 ERA) starts for the Guardians in an attempt to stave off elimination in this three-game series.
“Our backs have been against the wall for three months,” Vogt said. “What’s one more day?”
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