CLEVELAND, Ohio – A Great Lakes rivalry carves out another conclusion as the Cleveland Guardians host the Detroit Tigers in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the AL Wild Card today – Thursday, Oct. 2 – at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. This game is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free.

How do I watch Guardians vs. Tigers AL Wild Card for free?

The game will broadcast live on ABC with the first pitch at 3:08 p.m. Eastern. Those who have cut the cable cord can catch the game at no cost by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which is also offering $35 off your first month.

FuboTV also has a free trial and $30 off your first month.

The most flexible option is Sling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter.

This game is also available on the ESPN app streaming service, which now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $11.99 per month (or $119.99 for entire year). The ESPN app replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus

Streaming serviceMonthly PriceFree trial LengthDiscountDIRECTV$74.99Yes5-day$35 off first monthFuboTV$64.99Yes5-day$30 off first monthSling TV$4.99-19.99NoN/ANoESPN Streaming$11.99 NoN/ANo

Here are five storylines heading into today’s finale:

1. Guardians’ Offense Erupts in Late-Game Comeback

After scoring only one run through the first seven innings, the Guardians’ offense exploded for five runs in the eighth to secure a 6-1 victory. The game-changing rally was sparked by a tie-breaking solo home run from Brayan Rocchio and sealed by a three-run homer from Bo Naylor.

2. A Historically Anemic Offense Delivered Under Pressure

Cleveland’s comeback was especially significant given its offensive struggles, as the team entered the postseason with the second-worst batting average in the league and the worst in MLB postseason history. Before the eighth-inning rally, the Guardians had recorded just six total hits across the first two games of the series.

3. Tigers Squandered Key Opportunities

The Tigers failed to capitalize on their chances, a trend highlighted by their stranding of a playoff-record 15 baserunners in their Game 1 loss. Detroit managed only one run in Game 2 despite out-hitting Cleveland seven to six.

4. Brayan Rocchio Continues His Clutch Postseason Performance

Brayan “Playoff” Rocchio again emerged as a key player, hitting the solo home run that broke a 1-1 deadlock and started the game-winning rally. This follows a strong September, and he now has two home runs and five RBI in his last three games.

5. Decisive Pitching Matchup Set for Winner-Take-All Game

The series will be decided in a Game 3 pitching duel between Cleveland’s Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA) and Detroit’s Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA). Both teams’ seasons are on the line as the two right-handers take the mound. The winner will face the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS beginning Oct. 4.

Here’s more information on how to watch today’s Guardians vs. Tigers AL Wild Card game on TV and streaming services:

What: AL Wild Card Game 3: Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers

When: Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025

Time: 3:08 p.m. Eastern

Where: Progressive Field | Cleveland, Ohio

Channel: ABC

Best streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off first month), FuboTV (free trial and $30 off first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and ESPN Streaming

This article was created with the assistance of generative AI. It was reviewed and edited by cleveland.com

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