- What: MLB Divisional Series Playoff Game
- When: Saturday, October 12th
- Who: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
- Time: 10:08 a.m. PST
- Where: Progressive Field (Cleveland, OH)
The Cleveland Guardians host the Detroit Tigers in a do-or-die game five at Progressive Field in the American League Division Series. The winner will head to New York to face the Yankees.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers will send their ace and likely AL Cy Young Winner, Tarik Skubal, to the mound today. Skubal has an impressive presence on the pitcher’s mound, showcasing a diverse array of pitches.
He consistently reaches 97 MPH on the radar gun and possesses the finesse to deliver accurate strikes across both sides of the plate.
Throughout the regular season, he led the MLB in strikeouts with 228 and ranked second in ERA with 2.39. In the 2024 MLB playoffs, he has pitched 13 innings, allowing only seven hits while recording 14 strikeouts and conceding zero runs.
"Right now, Tarik Skubal is hands down, the best starting pitcher in Major League Baseball… he is the best blend I've seen in a long time from a lefty."
– @Plesac19 on the @Tigers Game 5 starter #ALDS pic.twitter.com/PqGqBQID9j
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 12, 2024
Additionally, he holds a record of 1-0 with an outstanding 0.64 ERA in two starts against Cleveland this season.
Jake Rogers, the catcher who leads their offense, is known for his strong performance both at the plate and behind the plate. With impressive quickness and arm strength, he excels defensively.
As a batter, despite being capable of powerful swings, he has shown consistent solid contact in the postseason. He holds a 5-of-18 (.278) record with five hits and three runs scored. Moreover, Rogers got a hit in two of his last three games.
Cleveland Guardians
In the fifth game, the Guardians are looking for their elite pitching staff to deliver and counting on the lineup to step up. Left fielder Steven Kwan has been a standout hitter, showcasing his quick swing and instincts at the plate.
So far in the 2024 MLB playoffs, he has an impressive 8-for-16 (.500) record with a double, four runs scored, and two walks drawn. Notably, he has three hits in consecutive games.
All comes down to a clinch scenario at The Corner.#ForTheLand | #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/RdcdNy2Qsi
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) October 12, 2024
David Fry, the first baseman, has been a reliable hitter, leading the team in RBI with five, along with one home run and two runs scored. Lane Thomas, the right fielder, has also been a strong contributor, hitting .267 with one home run and four RBI in four playoff games.
Tigers-Guardians Best Bet
This should be a fantastic ALDS finale. Both these teams are so evenly matched and it’s been back and forth all series. However, it will be tough for the Tigers to continue their magic.
Tarik Skubal has been terrific this entire season but this will also be the third time the Guardians are seeing him in a week. As much as I want to bet the Tigers, I think the Guardians end up winning this one and advancing to play the Yankees.
The Guardians on the moneyline is the best bet in this one.
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
