Detroit Tigers on Verge of ALDS Victory Against Cleveland Guardians

On Thursday night, the Detroit Tigers have an opportunity to secure their second Major League Baseball (MLB) postseason series victory of 2024 at Comerica Park. They are only one win away from advancing to the American League Championship Series (ALCS), after clinching a 2-1 lead in the series against the Cleveland Guardians.

Detroit’s impressive postseason has been characterized by dominant performances, particularly against the Guardians, whom they have shut down completely in recent games. On Wednesday, they achieved their second consecutive 3-0 win, continuing a 20-inning shutout streak over Cleveland as they hosted their first home playoff game in a decade.

The pitching lineup for the Tigers includes Reese Olson, slated to make his first career postseason start. Olson is expected to follow a bullpen-heavy strategy, which the team has successfully employed throughout the series. Previously, Olson pitched a solid five innings in relief during Game 1, contributing to the Tigers’ overall defensive success against the Guardians.

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s pitcher Tanner Bibee is set to make his second appearance in the series, following a previous performance where he pitched 4⅔ scoreless innings leading to a Cleveland shutout in Game 1. However, since that game, the Guardians have struggled offensively, failing to record an extra-base hit and going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position in their most recent outing.

If the Tigers win Game 4, they will advance to the ALCS for the first time in 11 years and face either the New York Yankees or the Kansas City Royals, the former currently leading their series 2-1.

The anticipated lineups for Game 4 include notable players from both teams. The Tigers’ lineup features Parker Meadows in center field and Kerry Carpenter as designated hitter, while the Guardians’ starting lineup includes Steven Kwan in left field and José Ramírez at third base.

The game, scheduled for a 6:08 p.m. start, will be broadcast nationally on TNT with announcers Brian Anderson and Jeff Francoeur. It is also available for streaming on Sling TV and can be listened to on WXYT-FM (97.1) locally in Detroit and nationally on ESPN Radio.