Just how Tigers fans drew it up. Detroit grabbed a 1–0 lead in the AL Wild Card Series by leaning on the same formula the Guardians tried all season: get on base any way possible and ride dominant pitching. Kerry Carpenter’s first-inning single set the tone, aided by a Guardians fielding error, before Spencer Torkelson lined an RBI hit to left. 

The Tigers added the go-ahead run in the seventh when Zach McKinstry laid down a textbook sacrifice bunt, bringing Riley Greene home. Strong relief from Will Vest sealed a 2–1 win. Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch had the perfect quote after the game about the postseason, as obvious as it sounds.

"Small things in close games, especially in the playoffs, matter"

Tigers fans witness a bit of history at the same time. He became the 3rd starter in Detroit's history to strike out 13 in a game, joining Joe Coleman in 1972 against the A's and Max Scherzer against Boston in 2013. He finished the day with 14 strikeouts. 

In this afternoon’s matchup, the Tigers will send Casey Mize to the mound. Mize comes in with a 14-6 record and 3.91 ERA during the regular season. He’s also had success against Cleveland: over four career starts against the Guardians, he’s held them to a .229/.289/.422 slash line. This will be his first ever postseason start. A strong performance from him today sends the Tigers out west to take on Seattle. 

Cleveland counters with Tanner Bibee, who has been tormenting the Tigers this year. In three starts versus Detroit in 2025, he’s gone 3–0 while allowing just two runs in 19 innings, with 21 strikeouts and 12 hits. In those outings, he’s posted a microscopic 0.95 ERA against Detroit. 

He brings a 12–11 record, a 4.24 ERA, 162 strikeouts and a 1.23 WHIP over 182⅓ innings for the season.

Momentum & psychology: The Tigers’ Game 1 win puts immense pressure on Cleveland. Bibee must stem the tide and keep Detroit from running away with the series.

Mize’s command is key: If he can locate his fastball and splitter and keep the Guardians off balance, Detroit’s offense, patient and opportunistic in Game 1, can strike again.

Bullpen leverage: Detroit’s bullpen, including Will Vest, was tested but held firm. Detroit will lean heavily on its relief corps if Mize gets into trouble early. 

Bibee’s second act: The Guardians will look to Bibee to continue his ability to keep the Tigers bats at bay. 

Small ball vs. small ball: Detroit used a bunt and a fielding miscue; Cleveland’s offense is more accustomed to being patient, setting everything up for Jose Ramirez. 

Much of Detroit’s success came from the steady glove and timely hitting of Javy Báez. The shortstop not only turned a slick inning-ending double play in the second, but also collected two hits, both to the opposite field. Báez stayed within himself at the plate, taking what Cleveland’s defense gave him, while anchoring the infield in the late innings. His play over the last two weeks has been the veteran presence Detroit has needed to get back into the postseason.

While his throw to Spencer Torkelson in the ninth was low, Tork usually catches that ball. That play almost came back to haunt Detroit in the 9th. His play underscored the Tigers’ approach of manufacturing runs and leaning on airtight defense. 

Game 2 will be on ESPN starting at 1:08pm.