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Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers American League Division Series Game 3: Preview, probable pitchers, how to watch

As the Guardians head to the Motor Series, the American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers is all tied up (1-1).
Credit: AP
Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan catches a fly ball during Game 2 of baseball's AL Division Series. (AP Photo/David Dermer)

DETROIT — The Cleveland Guardians are looking to get back on track as they head on the road for the first time in the 2024 MLB Postseason after dropping Game 2 of the American League Division Series. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers will host Game 3 of the ALDS. This will be the first MLB Postseason game played in Detroit since 2014.  

As the Guardians head to the Motor City, the series is all tied up at one game each after the Tigers secured a 3-0 victory via a Kerry Carpenter 3-run homer in Game 2 of the ALDS.

What follows is everything you need to know about the Game 3 matchup:

Game info, how to watch on TV, betting line 

  • Time: 3:08 p.m.
  • Location: Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan 
  • TV channel: TBS
  • Streaming: HBO Max
  • Radio: WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7, Guardians Radio Network, ESPN Radio, WARF 1350
  • Moneyline: -112 Guardians / -108 Detroit Tigers
  • Run line: 1.5
  • Total: Over/under 7

Probable pitchers 

  • Cleveland Guardians: Alex Cobb (RHP: 2-1, 2.76 ERA, 10 SO) 
  • Detroit Tigers: TBD

ALDS schedule 

  • Saturday, Oct. 5: Game 1 in Cleveland, Guardians win 7-0
  • Monday, Oct. 7: Game 2 in Cleveland, Tigers win 3-0
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9: Game 3, in Detroit, 3:08 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 10: Game 4, in Detroit, 6:08 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: Game 5 (if necessary) in Cleveland

Preview

The Tigers have already proven that they won't quit after avoiding a 2-0 series deficit. Now, the Guardians have a hefty task: Beating the Tigers in front of a crowd that hasn't experienced postseason baseball in a decade.

Taking the mound for the Guardians on Wednesday will be Alex Cobb, who recently just got back from injury. During the 2024 season, Cobb started a mere three games. 

Wednesday will mark Cobb's first game since Sept. 1 as he was sidelined with a middle finger blister. Cobb has only made three starts since coming to Cleveland in July via a trade from the San Francisco Giants. The 37-year-old right-handed pitcher is 2-1 on the season, posting a 2.76 ERA with 10 strikeouts. 

Thankfully, after using much of their bullpen during Game 2, the Guardians' league-best bullpen will be well-rested and ready to go after a day off. 

The bullpen was tested on Monday as Emmanuel Clase’s nearly perfect season became flawed after giving up the homer to Carpenter in the ninth inning. Clase saved 47 games during the regular season and finished with a 0.61 ERA.

On the other hand, it is unknown as to who Tigers' manager A.J. Hinch will put on the mound for Game 3. 

During the ALDS, the Guardians have been led by Lane Thomas, who recorded three RBIs in Game 1 via a homerun. In addition, Bryan Rocchio, David Fry, Steven Kwan, and Josh Naylor have all had two hits. 

Ultimately, the Guardians must sweep the next two games in Detroit to avoid another meeting with Detroit's Tarik Skubal in Game 5. Skubal dominated in Game 2 and was lights out, recording eight strikeouts in seven pitched innings and only giving up three hits. 

What's next? 

The Guardians/Tigers series winner will take on either the New York Yankees or Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series. The series between the Yankees and Royals is currently tied 1-1.

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