The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians are set to battle it out in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series tonight at Progressive Field, with everything on the line in this winner-take-all showdown. After a tense back-and-forth, the series is knotted at one game apiece, and fans are bracing for what could be a gritty, low-scoring affair under the lights in Cleveland. The game kicks off at 7:08 p.m. ET, giving both teams just enough time to regroup from the emotional rollercoaster of the first two outings.
Recapping quickly: Tarik Skubal dominated for the Tigers in Game 1, striking out 14 and holding Cleveland to a single run in a 2-1 victory that had Detroit faithful dreaming big. However, the Guardians fought back fiercely in Game 2, exploding for five runs in the eighth inning to steal a 6-3 win and force this decider. Indeed, Cleveland's resilience—after that wild September collapse that handed the division to Detroit—adds a layer of rivalry that's almost poetic. The Tigers, meanwhile, rode their hot streak into the playoffs, but now face the pressure of closing it out on the road.
For tonight's matchup, Detroit turns to Reese Olson on the mound, a young arm with promise but untested in this spotlight, while the Guardians counter with Tanner Bibee, whose steady presence could tilt things their way. Predictions are split down the middle; experts lean slightly toward Cleveland's home-field edge and deeper bullpen, maybe a 55-45 favorite in a close one. But baseball's funny like that— one bad hop or clutch hit changes everything. Moreover, the Tigers' offense, sparked by Riley Greene's timely bats, might just punch through if Olson keeps it tight early.
Listeners won't want to miss the radio call, with coverage on 97.1 The Ticket for Tigers fans and 92.3 The Fan for Guardians supporters, plus national streams via SiriusXM channels 83 and 84. It's the kind of broadcast that crackles with tension, echoing the raw energy of playoff baseball.
However, as the first pitch approaches, one can't help but wonder if this series will redefine these AL Central foes for years to come.