It’s code red for the Cleveland Guardians. They’ve been one of the best teams this season, but they’re one loss away from being sent home. The Detroit Tigers beat the Guardians 3-0 on Wednesday afternoon.
Tigers manager AJ Hinch used six pitchers to shut down the Guardians lineup.
Guardians starter Alex Cobb gave up three hits and two runs, walked one batter and struck out two through three innings pitched. He didn’t have a good outing.
Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson drove in runs for the Tigers.
Guardians had no answer for the Tigers bullpen. Brant Hurter gave up five hits in 3 1/3 innings. Beau Brieske pitched two innings and Sean Guenther got one out. Vest threw 1 1/3 innings before Tyler Holton closed the ninth inning.
The Guardians had chances to score, especially in the third inning. Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez were on base. Josh Naylor ended the inning when he grounded into second.
The Tigers are seeking to book their first trip to the ALCS for the first time since 2013. They will meet either Kansas City or the New York Yankees.
The Guardians’ offense needs to step up in Game 4 like it did in Game 1. Ramirez, Gimenez and Naylor are some of the best hitters on the team.
If the best hitters are not producing, the result will be lousy. Tigers are outplaying the Guardians and have shut them out twice in the series.
The Guardians went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
Game Notes:
– Steven Kwan was the best hitter for the Guardians in Game 3. He went 3-for-4 with three hits. He’s batting .455 in this series.
– Jose Ramirez: 0-for-3
– Andres Gimenez: 0-for-4 with one strikeout
Under the current 2-2-1 format, teams leading 2-1 and playing Game 4 at home had taken the series 25 of 31 times (81%).
Game 4 begins on Thursday at 6:08 pm at Comerica Park.
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