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Detroit (1-1) at Cleveland (1-1)
- When: Oct 2 2025, 3:08 PM
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- Where to watch: ABC
Detroit vs Cleveland AL Wild Card Game 3 Betting Preview
Moneyline: Cleveland -121
Spread: Cleveland -1.5 (+185)
Total: 7.0
Cleveland Guardians: Cecconi’s Redemption Tour
Slade Cecconi raised some eyebrows back on July 4 when he boldly claimed the Guardians would still make noise in October, despite the team being in the midst of a brutal 10-game losing streak. Fast-forward to today, and the righty is now tasked with securing a Game 3 win in front of the home crowd to push Cleveland into the ALDS.
Cecconi posted a solid 7-7 record with a 4.30 ERA this season and will take the hill after an inconsistent finish to the regular season. He struggled in his final start against Texas, giving up four runs in four innings, but that blip doesn’t define his recent form, he had been on a tear before that.
The Guardians responded to adversity with a clutch 6-1 win in Game 2, powered by a five-run eighth inning and a jolt of energy from Brayan Rocchio’s go-ahead blast. With Cecconi’s poise and Cleveland’s bats warming up, the Guardians are looking like the sharper side heading into the decider.
Detroit Tigers: Flaherty Faces Familiar Foes
The Tigers send veteran Jack Flaherty to the bump, hoping he can extend their postseason. While Flaherty’s 8-15 record and 4.64 ERA don’t leap off the page, he’s actually pitched fairly well against Cleveland lately, allowing just four earned runs across his final two regular-season starts, both against the Guardians.
Flaherty has had a winding journey, briefly leaving Detroit to win a ring with the Dodgers before returning this season. He’s no stranger to the Cleveland lineup, owning a 2.51 career ERA against them, and he’ll need every ounce of that familiarity if Detroit hopes to pull off the mild upset.
Game 1 hero Tarik Skubal lit it up with a record-setting 14 strikeouts, while Game 2 saw the Tigers’ bullpen unravel in the eighth. Detroit’s offense has gone cold at the worst possible time, and with their season on the line, they’ll need a spark—fast.
Betting Prediction
Cleveland’s momentum swing in Game 2, paired with Cecconi’s upside and home-field edge, tips the scales in their favor. Detroit has talent, but their offensive inconsistency and bullpen volatility make them hard to trust in a high-stakes spot.
Score Prediction: Guardians 4, Tigers 2
Pick: Cleveland (-121)
Total: Under 7.0 (-115)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
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