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The Detroit Tigers swept the Houston Astros in the wild-card round of the American League, which sent them to Ohio to face the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians were the second-best team in the AL, so they didn't have to play that round. They waited for the winner, which ended up being Detroit in upset fashion.
On Saturday, these two teams will embark on a five-game set. The first to win three games advances to the ALCS round and the other team goes home and prepares for next season.
Tigers vs. Guardians records and recent form
The Detroit Tigers ended the regular season on a high note, claiming the sixth seed at 86-76. They closed on a two-game losing streak but went 7-3 in their last 10 games. In the playoffs, they are 2-0 so far.
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The Cleveland Guardians lost out on the AL's top seed by 1.5 games to the New York Yankees. They finished on a two-game losing streak and 5-5 in their last 10, so they weren't exactly red-hot entering the postseason.
Players to Watch
Starting Pitchers
TBD vs. Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47 ERA, 187 SO)
The Detroit Tigers have yet to name their starter, and they could go with another bullpen day. That worked well against the Houston Astros in the second game of the Wild Card, and AJ Hinch may opt to go that route again while he waits for Tarik Skubal to be ready again.
Tanner Bibee has a 3.47 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 187 strikeouts in 173.2 innings pitched.
Last Start: Seven innings, four hits, one earned run, two walks and seven strikeouts.
Career vs. Tigers: 1-3 with a 5.28 ERA and 27 strikeouts in six appearances.
Must watch Hitters
Tigers
Andy Ibanez had a pinch-hit, three-run double in the late stages of the sealing victory over the Astros.
Colt Keith has 12 hits in 12 games against the Guardians this year. In those games, he recorded nine runs, a triple, two home runs, seven RBI and seven walks.
Guardians
Jose Ramirez has 17 hits in 13 games against the Tigers this season. During those games, he also had nine runs, five doubles, five home runs, 12 RBI and five walks.
Josh Naylor had 12 hits in 12 games against Detroit this year, recording nine runs, a double, three home runs, eight walks, and nine RBI as well.
Tigers vs. Guardians Baseball Betting Odds
Tigers vs. Guardians Expert Predictions
The Tigers are currently on a roll, but they are up against a formidable opponent. The Guardians have an excellent bullpen and a strong offense. In Game 1, they will start their best pitcher, giving them a minor advantage over the Tigers.
They won't need much from Bibee, as they can hand it off to their bullpen at any point and feel good about things. The Tigers may lose eventually, and it may begin in Game 1.
Run Spread: +1.5
Total Runs: Over 7
Prediction: Guardians 5, Tigers 3
