In a tense Game 3 showdown at Progressive Field, the Detroit Tigers clinched a 6-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians, punching their ticket to the ALDS against the Seattle Mariners. The series, which kicked off with a nail-biting 2-1 Tigers win on September 30, saw Detroit's resilience shine through after dropping Game 2. Tarik Skubal's masterful pitching in the opener set the tone, but it was the offense that delivered when it mattered most in the decider.
Javier Báez, the Tigers' flashy shortstop-turned-center fielder, proved pivotal once again. In Game 1, he stranded runners but made a crucial error that nearly cost them—yet Detroit held firm. Báez went 1-for-4 in that contest, his single contributing to the early pressure on Guardians starter Tanner Bibee. Fast forward to Game 3, and Báez tallied two hits, including a double that drove in a run during a pivotal fourth-inning rally. His .286 batting average across the series, with three RBIs total, underscored his clutch presence, even if his fielding gaffes drew some scrutiny from the dugout.
Indeed, Báez's performance highlighted broader Tigers strengths. Spencer Torkelson smashed a solo homer in Game 3, while Riley Greene's two-run double proved the game-winner. On the Guardians' side, José Ramírez managed just 2-for-10 with a homer in Game 2, but Cleveland's bats went quiet late, stranding 10 runners in the finale. Starter Gavin Williams struck out seven but surrendered four runs in five innings, exposing vulnerabilities in a lineup that faltered under playoff lights.
Moreover, Detroit's bullpen, led by Will Vest's scoreless relief, stifled Cleveland's comeback hopes. The Guardians, who boasted a strong 92-win regular season, now face an early offseason reckoning. Báez, ever the enigma with his power and occasional miscues, embodied the Tigers' gritty, unpredictable edge. However, questions linger about his consistency heading into deeper rounds.
Key Stats Snapshot: Tigers outhit Guardians 11-8 in Game 3; Báez's series OPS hit .750, boosting Detroit's momentum.
As the ALDS looms, one wonders how far this resilient Tigers squad can carry their wildcard fire.