ALDS Game 3 Preview: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Guardians
As the American League Division Series (ALDS) heats up, the Detroit Tigers are set to host the Cleveland Guardians for Game 3 on Wednesday, October 9. With the series tied 1-1, this matchup at Comerica Park promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams as they vie for a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
Game Context and Recent Performance
The Tigers (86-76, 43-38 at home) managed to even the series with a commanding 3-0 victory in Game 2, thanks in large part to ace Tarik Skubal, who delivered an impressive eight-inning shutout. However, the Tigers find themselves in a precarious position heading into Game 3, as manager AJ Hinch has yet to announce a starting pitcher. This uncertainty looms large over the team, especially considering the strain on their pitching staff.
On the other side, the Guardians (92-69, 42-39 away) will send veteran right-hander Alex Cobb to the mound. Cobb, a 13-year MLB veteran, had a limited regular season, pitching only 16.1 innings due to injuries. Despite his lack of recent experience, Cobb’s presence brings a wealth of playoff experience and savvy to the Guardians’ rotation.
Game Day Details
- Date: Wednesday, October 9
- Time: 3:08 PM ET
- Location: Comerica Park, Detroit
- Broadcast: TBS (US), Sportsnet (Canada)
Predictions and Betting Odds
As the teams prepare for this crucial game, the betting landscape reflects the uncertainty surrounding the Tigers’ pitching situation. Here are some key predictions and odds for Game 3:
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Moneyline:
- Tigers: -104 at FanDuel
- Guardians: -110 at BetMGM
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Total Runs:
- Under 7.5: -135 at ESPN Bet
- Over 7.0: -112 at DraftKings
- Player Props:
- Alex Cobb over 4.5 hits allowed: +145 at DraftKings
Sascha Paruk, a noted MLB playoff bettor, has a record of 10-8 (+2.47 units) this postseason, indicating a cautious but strategic approach to wagering on these playoff games.
Pitching Matchup: Cobb vs. TBD
Alex Cobb
- Record: 2-1
- ERA: 2.76
- xERA: 4.87
- WHIP: 1.04
- K%: 11.3%
Tigers’ Starter: TBD
The uncertainty surrounding the Tigers’ starting pitcher adds an intriguing layer to this matchup. With the team having utilized a bullpen game in their previous series against the Houston Astros, it’s likely they will adopt a similar strategy in Game 3. This could mean a mix of pitchers, none of whom are expected to go deep into the game, which may favor the Guardians if Cobb can find his rhythm early.
Home Field Advantage
While the Guardians boast a strong bullpen, their road performance this season has been less than stellar, finishing with a 42-39 record away from home. In contrast, the Tigers have been formidable at Comerica Park, winning 14 of their last 20 home games. The electric atmosphere of a postseason game in Detroit, especially after nearly a decade without playoff baseball, could provide the Tigers with the boost they need.
Kerry Carpenter’s game-winning three-run homer in Game 2 off Emmanuel Clase, one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, has shifted the momentum in favor of the Tigers. The crowd at Comerica Park is expected to be a significant factor, rallying behind their team as they aim to take a 2-1 series lead.
Looking Ahead
With Game 3 set to unfold, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. A win for the Tigers would not only give them the upper hand in the series but also solidify their home-field advantage. For the Guardians, a victory would restore their momentum and put them one step closer to advancing in the playoffs.
As the first pitch approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the pitching matchup unfolds and which team can capitalize on the opportunities presented in this critical game.