Cleveland Guardians set the tone to kick off the American League Division Series by shutting down the red-hot Detroit Tigers, 7-0. Guardians attacked for five runs in the bottom of the first inning before recording the first out.
Third baseman Jose Ramirez got it going for the Guardians when he reached the second baseball on a fielder’s error at third base. Steven Kwan scored on the play, while David Fry moved to third base.
First baseman Josh Naylor follows with a hit to right center to make it 2-0. Then, the giant dagger of the game got the crowd going wild. Right fielder Lane Thomas hit a three-run home run to give the Guardians an early 5-0 lead. The Guardians’ bats made Reese Olson’s playoff experience a game he will not forget.
The Guardians wouldn’t score again until the bottom of the 6th inning when David Fry hit a 2-run double. Fry had a good performance, going 2-for-3 in Game 1.
The star of the game was Guardians’ starting pitcher Tanner Bibee. He struck out six batters and allowed one walk and four hits through 4.2 innings pitched. Bibee ran into trouble in the top of the 5th inning with men on first and second, but he got out of the jam.
Bibee and the Guardians bullpen silenced the Tigers lineup. If the Guardians’ pitching can keep this going, they will be tough to beat.
Tigers and Guardians have never faced each other in the division series. Tigers have been the hottest team in baseball since August 10th. Guardians win the AL Central Division, but they know this Tigers team can’t be taken lightly.
AJ Hinch is the Tigers manager. He won the World Series with the Houston Astros. Hinch knows what it takes to win, whether you like him or not. It’s only Game 1, but the Guardians must keep their foot on the gas.
Game 2 will be on Tuesday at 4 p.m. AL triple crown winner Tarik Skubal will pitch for the Tigers and Matthew Boyd will pitch for the Guardians.
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