UPDATE: The Detroit Tigers are set to face the Cleveland Guardians in a crucial best-of-three Wild Card Series starting on October 3, 2023, at Progressive Field. This matchup comes on the heels of Cleveland clinching the AL Central title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the regular season.
The urgency is palpable as the Tigers, who finished the regular season at 87-75, look to bounce back after a 4-3 loss to the Boston Red Sox that dashed their hopes of claiming the division. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch stated, “We’re going to Cleveland, which is where we just came from, and we’ll get to work.” The team is committed to thorough preparation against a familiar opponent.
The Guardians, boasting a record of 88-74, have been on a tear, winning five of their last six meetings against Detroit, including a stunning comeback from a 15.5-game deficit earlier in the season. “Obviously, we know what kind of team they have,” said Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler. “It’s a clean slate now. We’re going to move forward and have a lot of fun.”
The stakes are high as both teams prepare for the postseason. Hinch made strategic decisions in the final regular-season game, resting key players including ace Tarik Skubal, who is now set to start the playoff opener. Skubal is coming off impressive performances, allowing just two earned runs in his last 12 innings against the Guardians, despite suffering defeats in both games.
What’s next? The Tigers must channel their focus as they gear up for a series against a team that has shown strong momentum. “I don’t really care,” Skubal remarked. “It’s the postseason. This is what you prepare for.”
As the clock ticks down to game time, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere in Cleveland. The Tigers will aim to turn the tide against the Guardians and advance further in the playoffs. Stay tuned for live updates and comprehensive coverage as this thrilling series unfolds!
