Editor’s note: Follow Guardians vs. Tigers live updates and highlights from Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series.
CLEVELAND — It’s winner take all for the Guardians and Tigers today.
The American League Central Division rivals are set to play a decisive Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series. The Tigers were 2-1 winners of Game 1 and the Guardians bounced back with a 6-1 win in Game 2.
Game 3 of the best-of-three series is set for 3:08 p.m. Oct. 2.
Here are Guardians-Tigers Game 3 predictions from Beacon Journal sports writers Ryan Lewis and Nate Ulrich.
Guardians vs. Tigers prediction: Who wins Game 3 Thursday?
Lewis: The Tigers haven’t been able to bury the Guardians all season. Cleveland’s lineup does have a boost with George Valera and Chase DeLauter available, and the “Playoff Rocchio” bit might be real. Cleveland’s bullpen remains elite and probably didn’t get the credit it deserved during the regular season. Cade Smith’s availability might be a slight concern in a win-or-go-home Game 3, but I’ll side with Cleveland’s pitching setup over Detroit’s in every instance that doesn’t include Tarik Skubal. If the Guardians pull this off after that regular season, the Tigers will have nightmares of Cleveland all winter. Guardians 5, Tigers 3.
Ulrich: If you consider Guardians right-hander Slade Cecconi versus Tigers right-hander Jack Flaherty basically an even starting pitching matchup, look at the bullpen next. The Guardians clearly had the upper hand there in Game 2. Sure, Cleveland’s relievers could be in a bit of bind after Tanner Bibee worked just 4⅔ innings of the Guardians win, so whether Cecconi is able to go deep into Game 3 could be a crucial factor. On offense, the Guards should have at least some confidence coming off a three-homer Game 2, which included a five-run eighth inning. Cleveland to Seattle for the ALDS? Sure. Guardians 4, Tigers 3.
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