Tigers seize ALDS lead over Cleveland with 3-0 win
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Detroit's Matt Vierling reacts after catching a line drive to end the seventh inning yesterday. Photo: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
The Tigers' magical playoff ride keeps rolling.
The big picture: Detroit took a 2-1 series lead over the Cleveland Guardians with a 3-0 win in front of a record crowd Wednesday at Comerica Park.
Why it matters: The Tigers can eliminate Cleveland and advance to the American League Championship Series with a Game 4 win today at Comerica.
- First pitch is at 6:08pm, on TNT.
Between the lines: Downtown was teeming with fans before Detroit's first playoff home game in a decade. They tailgated in parking lots near Comerica and up the Cass Corridor and packed bars while others strolled along Woodward to take in the scene on a sunny afternoon that was perfect for baseball.
What they're saying: The pregame vibe gave Nick Sage, of Fenton, a moment of nostalgia on Tin Roof's rooftop patio overlooking Comerica. He reflected on going to Tiger Stadium with his grandparents as a kid and attending a 2006 World Series game against the Cardinals.
- Outside longtime Tigers hangout Nemo's in Corktown, Kelly Martin and Sue MacDonald described getting swept up in the excitement of Detroit's late-season hot streak and the wild-card wins against Houston.
- Fans devoured burgers and beers inside the bar while Martin and MacDonald waited to board Nemo's $5 shuttle to Comerica.
- "Everybody has their gear on in there, having a drink or two," Martin said.
Driving the news: Detroit kept Cleveland scoreless with lights-out pitching and clutch defensive plays.
- The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Parker Meadows scored on a Riley Greene single to center field. Matt Vierling and Spencer Torkelson also had one RBI each.
- Manager A.J. Hinch used six different pitchers, repeating an unconventional pitching strategy he deployed earlier in the playoffs and throughout the team's late-season hot streak, per the AP.
The intrigue: The win means Cleveland likely cannot win the series without facing Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who should be ready for Game 5 on Saturday if necessary.
Fun fact: Yesterday's game set a record for the largest postseason crowd in Comerica's history, with 44,885 fans in attendance.
- Game 3 of the 2013 ALDS against the Oakland A's was the previous high, with 43,973, per the Detroit News.
The bottom line: The Tigers go to the ALCS with a win today. Their last trip was in 2013, when Boston won the series, 4-2.
- They would face the Yankees-Royals series winner.