Tigers vs. Guardians: ALDS Game 3 predictions, odds and picks — Oct. 9, MLB 2024

The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians will play the pivotal third game of their American League Division Series matchup today (Oct. 9). After a thrilling two games in Cleveland, the venue shifts to Detroit, where the Tigers will play their first home game.

Going up 2-1 in any playoff series is crucial. A loss puts either team on the brink of elimination. A win puts either team on the brink of the ALCS. This is the most important game in this series so far.

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Tigers vs. Guardians Form and Records

The Detroit Tigers, albeit with a two-game losing streak to end it, got hot to end the regular season and snuck in as the last wild card. They went 7-3 in their last 10, including winning seven of eight to secure a spot. Overall, they finished 86-76 and are 3-1 in the playoffs so far.

The Cleveland Guardians finished the season on a bit of a lull. They also lost two, which prevented them from grabbing the No. 1 seed from the New York Yankees. Overall, they finished 92-69 and are 1-1 in the playoffs so far.

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Players to watch

Starting Pitchers

Alex Cobb (2-1, 2.76 ERA, 10 SO) vs. TBD

The Detroit Tigers have not yet named their starter. They followed Tarik Skubal's Wild Card start with a bullpen day, and it looks like that may be AJ Hinch's plan here again.

Alex Cobb will get the ball to start (Imagn)

Alex Cobb has a 1.04 WHIP and 10 strikeouts in 16.1 innings pitched.

Last Start: Six innings, two hits, one run (zero earned), zero walks and six strikeouts.

Career vs. Tigers: 3-2 with a 2.91 ERA and 43 strikeouts in eight appearances.

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Must-Watch Hitters

Guardians

In the last seven days, Jose Ramirez has been red-hot. He was 7/14 during that time and had five runs, three doubles, a triple, two home runs, 12 RBI and five walks.

Josh Naylor has five hits in his last four games, including two runs, a double, three RBI, and two walks.

Tigers

Kerry Carpenter hit the hardest ball ever recorded against Emmanuel Clase, who was previously almost unhittable, on Monday night. His three-run homer won the game, and he will have some momentum.

Kerry Carpenter hit a massive home run (Imagn)

Colt Keith had 12 hits in 12 games against the Cleveland Guardians during the season. He scored nine runs, had one triple, two home runs, seven RBI and seven walks.

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Tigers vs. Guardians Baseball Betting Odds

Moneyline	Run Spread	Total Runs
Tigers -110	Tigers +1.5	Over 7 -120
Guardians -110	Guardians -1.5	Under 7 +100

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Tigers vs. Guardians Expert Predictions

The Tigers seem to have fate on their side, but today presents a difficult matchup. While Alex Cobb isn't a dominant starter, he has pitched well, and he figures to have a slight advantage over the Tigers' use of a bevy of relievers — if that is their plan.

The Guardians offense is better than the Tigers, and that could be the difference today. Every reliever AJ Hinch brings out won't have his A-game, and someone is bound to stumble.

Run Spread: +1.5

Total Runs: Under 7

Prediction: Guardians 4, Tigers 2