There was concern among Cleveland Guardians fans that the lack of activity – competitive games, that is – could potentially affect the team’s performance against the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the AL Divisions Series on Saturday.
Well, the team put those concerns to rest with a five-run first inning that helped the Guards achieve a 7-0 win against the red-hot Tigers.
The @CleGuardians secured the dub in front of a packed house 💪 pic.twitter.com/2r5mbLoig8
— MLB (@MLB) October 5, 2024
Cleveland’s bats jumped on opener Tyler Holton and then on reliever Reese Olson, and that first inning was capped by a three-run home run by trade acquisition Lane Thomas that turned Progressive Field into pandemonium.
With a comfortable lead, Guardians starter Tanner Bibee was able to work with relatively low stress and delivered 4.2 scoreless frames, with four hits allowed, one walk, and six strikeouts.
Then, manager Stephen Vogt unleashed MLB’s best bullpen on the Tigers.
When everything was said and done, the Tigers could only log four hits and struck out 13 times against the Guardians pitching staff.
After the game, Vogt said that Sunday’s off day contributed to his decision to go to the bullpen early, with the intention of giving everyone some activity after the time off and to preserve Bibee for later in the series if necessary.
Cleveland dominated Saturday’s contest from start to finish, and their victory was never in doubt.
Monday, however, will represent a much tougher assignment for the AL Central champs.
They will be facing reigning Triple Crown winner Tarik Skubal, as the Tigers will do everything in their power to level the best-of-five series.
Cleveland had to take a 1-0 lead to Monday’s affair, and everyone played to the top of their capabilities to make sure that happened on Saturday.
NEXT: Guardians Reveal Roster For Division Series With A Couple Of Surprises
