Lane Thomas hit a three-run homer to give the Cleveland Guardians an early 5-0 advantage against the Detroit Tigers in the opening game of their AL Division Series on Saturday. The Guardians secured a 7-0 victory, backed by an impressive performance from their bullpen, which completed a four-hitter.
Thomas made a significant impact with his first swing in the postseason, helping to dampen the Tigers’ momentum, who had recently swept the AL West champion Houston Astros in the wild-card round. Tanner Bibee started on the mound, pitching 4⅔ innings before handing over to a bullpen that is considered the best in baseball. The relievers combined for 4⅓ hitless innings, marking the largest shutout victory margin in Cleveland’s postseason history.
“I credit the guys in front of me,” Thomas commented on his performance. The Tigers struggled offensively, striking out 13 times and failing to advance a runner past first base in the last four innings.
Cleveland’s rookie reliever Cade Smith made a significant contribution, striking out all four batters he faced. Other relievers, including Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, and Emmanuel Clase, who led the AL in saves, effectively shut down the Tigers.
In addition to Thomas’ homer, David Fry contributed with a two-run double in the sixth inning. The Guardians, having received a bye in the first round, showed no signs of rust despite a week off from competition.
As the Tigers prepare for Game 2 on Monday, they will rely on Tarik Skubal, a contender for the AL Cy Young Award, to even the series. The matchup marked the first postseason encounter between the long-time rivals.
After a rough first inning for the Tigers, where they sent nine batters to the plate, the Guardians capitalized on early opportunities. Detroit manager A.J. Hinch’s bullpen strategy backfired early when his starter Tyler Holton was replaced after just four batters following a series of errors that contributed to the Guardians’ explosive start.
In his postseason debut, Thomas delivered a standout performance, launching a slider over the wall, much to the delight of the 33,548 fans at Progressive Field.
Bibee, despite initial nerves, settled down after the first inning, allowing four hits and striking out six batters.
In terms of health, Guardians’ RHP Alex Cobb, who had been on the injured list, was added to the roster and is a potential starter for Game 3, bringing valuable postseason experience after previously playing for Tampa Bay.
Looking ahead, Skubal, who led the league in wins and strikeouts, is expected to face Guardians RHP Matthew Boyd, a former Tiger and close friend of Skubal.