Tigers Defeat Guardians in AL Wild Card Opener

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal equaled the team's postseason record with 14 strikeouts in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card baseball playoff against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The Tigers won 2-1, with Will Vest securing the final four outs for Detroit. The Tigers have a chance to advance to the AL Division Series with a win in the next game.

In the seventh inning, Zach McKinstry's safety squeeze allowed Riley Greene to score the go-ahead run for Detroit. Cleveland's Jose Ramírez faced a tense ninth inning, getting caught between third base and home for the second out. The game ended when Cleveland's C.J. Kayfus hit a flyout to Detroit's shortstop Javier Báez in shallow left field.

Skubal's dominant performance included setting a career-high for strikeouts and pitching 7 2/3 innings with 107 pitches. He allowed only one run on three hits and walked three batters. Cleveland's Gavin Williams also had a strong outing, pitching six-plus innings without allowing an earned run but was let down by errors from the Guardians.

The game saw intense moments, with Vest tagging out Ramírez in a crucial play at home plate. Detroit manager A.J. Hinch praised Skubal's performance, highlighting his consistency throughout the game. The Tigers and Guardians displayed aggressive play throughout the match, with both teams pushing hard to secure the win.

The next game will feature Detroit's RHP Casey Mize against Cleveland's RHP Tanner Bibee. The Tigers will look to build on their Game 1 victory and advance in the playoffs.