DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Kerry Carpenter created a magic moment for Detroit in Cleveland, giving the Tigers their first win in the American League Division Series. Carpenter took a 2-2 pitch from Cleveland All-Star Emmanuel Clase in the top of the ninth inning to right-center field for a 3-0 lead. Beau Brieske shut down the Guardians with a 1-2-3 inning on a flyout and two strikeouts as Detroit evened the series at one game apiece.
“I wasn’t sitting on it, but I was just on time for the hardest pitch … and I was like zeroing in for it to start in a certain zone, and my instincts took over and he missed a spot. So I took advantage of it,” said Carpenter. “To do it off him is special. He’s one of the best.”
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Tarik Skubal pitched a gem, allowing just three hits and no runs with eight strikeouts in seven innings of work. Will Vest worked the eighth inning for the win, collecting one strikeout, while Brieske went in the ninth for the save.
Detroit had nine hits in the game, including a double by Wenceel Perez. Justyn-Henry Malloy and Matt Vierling led the team with two hits.
Spencer Torkelson commented on Carpenter’s 423-foot home run: “It’s exactly who you want at the plate right there. When you have a guy that can stay cool in those moments it gives you the best chance to succeed.”
Skubal once again showed why he was the best pitcher in baseball, retiring the first 13 batters of the game. He struck out the side in the third inning and had two strikeouts in the first.
“I think that’s when I’m at my best, when I keep the game simple and just go right at guys. Strike one, strike two and get guys uncomfortable,” says Skubal.
Manager A.J. Hinch has been in the postseason before and understands how significant momentum is. He says, “You come to this environment (Cleveland), on the road, and it’s a five-game series. When you get that emotional win and go back home 1-1, you feel like you got one on their home turf. We now have two games at our place. We know it’s going to be electric. We know Detroit has waited a really long time for a playoff game. We’re going to have a couple of them and a chance to take control of this series.”
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The series’ third game will be in Detroit on Wednesday, October 9, at 2:08 p.m. on TBS/truTV/Max.
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