Detroit Tigers Triumph in ALDS Game 3: A Bold Step Toward the Next Round
DETROIT — What a day for baseball at Comerica Park! On Wednesday afternoon, the Detroit Tigers took a big swing in the ALDS against the Cleveland Guardians, scoring a 3-0 victory that puts them just one win away from the AL Championship Series. And let me tell you, it was an electrifying game that had every fan on the edge of their seats.
A New Hero Emerges
Starting pitcher Keider Montero set the stage but quickly handed the ball to fellow rookie Brant Hurter in the second inning. The 26-year-old southpaw was cruising through three innings like a pro until things got a little dicey in the fifth. After snagging the first out, he allowed back-to-back hits from Cleveland’s Brayan Rocchio and Steven Kwan, putting pressure on the Tigers’ defense.
But manager AJ Hinch had a plan! He called on Beau Brieske to step in and save the day. And wow, did he deliver! Brieske struck out David Fry with a killer slider on just four pitches. “In a perfect world, I’d love to bring these guys in, clean inning, big lead, deep breath and attack guys,” Hinch said postgame, recognizing the challenge of postseason pressure. But Brieske showed exactly why he’s the go-to guy in these critical moments.
Brieske Dominates
Brieske wasn’t just warming up. He returned for the sixth inning and mowed down Cleveland’s 4-5-6 hitters like they were standing still. The crowd of 44,885 was loving it, making it the largest attendance for a postseason game in Comerica Park history. There’s nothing quite like the sound of a raucous crowd when your team is on a roll!
“He’s got great stuff. It’s hard to catch up to his fastball, and he mixes it up with a nasty sinker and changeup,” catcher Jake Rogers raved about Brieske. This is what makes him special, and the numbers back it up—he’s made four playoff appearances this October and hasn’t given up a single hit. That’s simply something to celebrate, especially for a player who was a 27th-round pick from a Division II school.
Support from the Batters
Now, it wasn’t just the pitching that won the game. The Tigers managed to find ways to score when it mattered. Right from the get-go, rookie Riley Greene got things rolling with an RBI single in the first inning, bringing Parker Meadows home. Then, the excitement continued in the third with a sacrifice fly from Matt Vierling, pushing the score to 2-0.
Spencer Torkelson added a much-needed insurance run in the sixth with a double, showing that after starting his October in a slump, he could rise to the occasion. The Tigers’ approach was solid—timely hits that counted instead of a barrage of long balls. Though they were out-hit 6-5 by Cleveland, they made their hits count. Sometimes, that’s all it takes in playoff baseball.
Cleveland’s Frustration Mounts
On the flip side, the Guardians are in a tough spot. They’ve been struggling at the plate, managing to score just two runs in their last 26 innings. That’s a shocking statistic for a team that sorted through similar woes in their previous postseason appearance. They really need to find their groove if they want to have a shot in this series, or else they risk being sent home for good.
What’s Next?
As the series heads to Game 4, Cleveland is sending Tanner Bibee to the mound, but he’ll need more than just a solid outing to turn the tide. The Guardians have to spark their bats if they hope to keep their season alive. Meanwhile, the Tigers are looking to unleash another unpredictable lineup of pitchers. And you know what? That’s just how they like it.
With a chance to clinch the series at home, the Tigers are buzzing with excitement. As Rogers put it, “This doesn’t happen very often, and it’s really cool to see and hear the sights and sounds.” Here’s hoping the Tigers can pull off another impressive win and take a huge step toward the next round of the playoffs!
