CLEVELAND — Although he didn’t start the game, Kerry Carpenter significantly impacted its outcome. The designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers hit a crucial three-run home run in the ninth inning against Cleveland Guardians All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase during Game 2 of their American League Division Series on Monday, breaking a scoreless tie.
Carpenter’s powerful 423-foot blast, the hardest hit of his career, came on a 2-2 slider and leveled the best-of-five series at one game apiece, with Game 3 scheduled for Wednesday in Detroit.
“I wasn’t sitting on it, but I was just on time for his hardest pitch … and I was like zeroing in for it to start in a certain zone, and my instincts took over and he missed a spot,” Carpenter said after the Tigers secured a 3-0 victory. “So I took advantage of it.”
The home run followed two consecutive two-out hits by catcher Jake Rogers and shortstop Trey Sweeney off Clase. Notably, it marked the first time Clase allowed a home run to a left-handed batter all season, and it was only the ninth home run in postseason history to come in the ninth inning or later during a scoreless game.
“That’s exactly who you want at the plate right there,” said Detroit teammate Spencer Torkelson. “Having a guy who stays cool in those moments enhances our chances of success.”
These sentiments were echoed by multiple teammates, especially given Carpenter’s return to the lineup after missing over two months due to a lumbar spine stress fracture. During his absence, the Tigers ranked 24th in scoring but surged to 11th from the time he rejoined in August through the end of the regular season. His impact was evident when he hit two home runs in his first game back against Seattle.
“Everybody knows it,” remarked Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. “It’s no secret that he’s a big threat, and he’s as balanced a player as you’ll find, which helps him stay grounded no matter the situation. We missed him greatly this season.”
Entering the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, Carpenter had taken no practice swings beforehand and had to wait for his turn. Understanding the Guardians were working through their bullpen, he felt certain he would get another opportunity.
“It’s pretty fun to be part of this, and doing it off [Clase] is special because he’s the best closer in the game for a reason,” Carpenter said.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the situation, noting, “These things are going to happen. It’s unfortunate, but at the same time, he’ll have the ball in the ninth again.”
The tension grew throughout the match as neither team scored until Carpenter’s home run. Guardians starter Matthew Boyd departed in the fifth inning, but Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was effective, pitching seven shutout innings and executing key inning-ending double plays in the fifth and sixth.
“Keeping the game simple is when I’m at my best, just going right at guys,” Skubal said. “Strike one, strike two to get them uncomfortable.”
Following his impressive performance, Skubal joined an elite group of pitchers, becoming the fifth to start his postseason career with multiple scoreless outings of six innings or more. He previously blanked the Houston Astros for six innings in the wild-card round and added another seven scoreless innings against the Guardians, allowing just three hits and striking out eight.
“There’s a reason he’s the best pitcher on the planet,” reliever Beau Brieske said, smiling.
If necessary, Skubal is expected to start Game 5.
The Tigers fought their way into the postseason, first defeating Houston in the AL Wild Card Series. After losing the first game 7-0 on Saturday, the team was determined to bounce back.
“You have to stay in the fight,” catcher Jake Rogers stated. “That’s it.”
Since Carpenter’s return, the Tigers have been in a prolonged struggle, with his home run on Monday quickly altering the series’ dynamics.
“I knew it was gone,” Carpenter said. “It was an amazing feeling to come through for this team.”