CLEVELAND — The Guardians kicked off their 2024 postseason with a strong performance, but they faced a setback on Monday night after a loss against the Tigers.
After winning Game 1 of the American League Division Series with a five-run first inning, the Guardians found themselves even in the series after the Tigers claimed Game 2 with a dramatic three-run homer in the ninth inning by Kerry Carpenter off Cleveland’s All-Star closer, Emmanuel Clase.
The matchup on Monday was a tightly contested pitcher’s duel between Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, who is expected to be crowned the AL Cy Young winner, and Matthew Boyd, a former Tigers player, along with Cleveland’s stout bullpen until Carpenter’s decisive hit in the final inning.
In the game recap:
The Tigers secured a 3-0 victory in Game 2, leveling the series at 1-1.
Kerry Carpenter’s powerful three-run homer in the ninth inning stunned the crowd at Progressive Field. With two outs and runners on base, Clase threw a slider which Carpenter launched 423 feet, marking the first three-run homer allowed by Clase in his career. Until that point, Clase had given up only five earned runs this entire season.
In the ninth, the Tigers built momentum against Classe after Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney hit singles, putting runners on the corners. Pitching coach Carl Willis briefly visited to strategize with Clase.
As the Tigers headed to the bullpen in the eighth inning, replacing Skubal after seven impressive innings, Will Vest entered the game.
Steven Kwan made a spectacular defensive play in the sixth inning, diving to catch a ball from Wenceel Perez that looked destined to drive in a run. This catch was crucial in keeping the game scoreless at that moment.
Emmanuel Clase was called upon to pitch in the eighth, following a double by Matt Vierling and an intentional walk to Riley Greene. The Guardians hoped Clase could secure at least four outs, as Hunter Gaddis had performed well until that point.
The game remained tied as both teams battled through a tense pitching duel. Tim Herrin managed to keep the game scoreless in the seventh inning, and both pitchers, Skubal and Boyd, displayed exceptional skills in their respective outings.
In the earlier innings, Tarik Skubal was dominant, maintaining a perfect game through four innings, striking out several Guardians players, while Matthew Boyd also worked diligently to prevent runs.
The match, characterized by several near misses and close calls, showcased outstanding defensive maneuvers and strategic pitching as both teams aimed for an edge in this postseason clash.
As the Guardians regroup for the next match, they have adjusted their roster, swapping Tyler Freeman due to a strained oblique with Angel Martinez, who provides flexibility as a switch-hitter.
The Guardians now look ahead to Game 3, where they will need to reclaim their momentum in the series against the Tigers.