Detroit (0-0) at Cleveland (0-0)
- When: Oct 5 2024, 1:08 PM
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- Where to watch: TBS
Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total
Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians
Moneyline
Detroit Tigers +125
Cleveland Guardians -149
Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians
Runline
Detroit Tigers 1.5 (-175)
Cleveland Guardians -1.5 (+150)
Detroit Tigers @ Cleveland Guardians
Total
Over 7.0 (-105)
Under 7.0 (-115)
- Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
Probable Pitchers:
Detroit: Tyler Holton (7-2, 2.19)
Cleveland: Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47)
Team Stats
Tigers | Guardians | |
.246 | Avg. | .000 |
1 | HR | 0 |
8 | Run | 0 |
1.50 | ERA | 0.00 |
Game Preview
The Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians have faced off over 2,300 times, but never in a series of such significance. The two teams kick off the American League Division Series on Saturday in Cleveland, with the winner advancing to the AL Championship Series.
During the regular season, Cleveland held a slight edge with a 7-6 record against the Tigers, but their last matchup was on July 30, just after Detroit traded away several veterans. This decision revitalized the Tigers, who went on to win 31 of 42 games, ultimately securing the sixth and final AL playoff spot. Detroit recently pulled off an upset by sweeping the Houston Astros in the wild-card round.
“We’re aware that the Tigers have been on a roll for quite some time,” Cleveland catcher Austin Hedges stated on Friday. “It’s more than just a playoff win; they’ve been one of the best teams in baseball lately and have always given us a tough challenge this season. We’re ready for the challenge ahead.”
Cleveland, meanwhile, maintained consistent performance throughout the year, earning the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye under first-year manager Stephen Vogt.
The prospect of a Tigers-Guardians postseason matchup is a first, and Tigers manager A.J. Hinch remarked that it’s beneficial for baseball. “Detroit is a city defined by grit, and Cleveland is also proud of its sports history, especially with a solid team like the Guardians that has a recent history of playoff success.”
While the Tigers may lack star power, the Guardians boast one of the game’s elite players in six-time All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez, who has historically excelled against Detroit pitching. This season, he hit .347 with five homers and 12 RBIs against the Tigers.
Ramirez will face Tigers left-hander Tyler Holton, who is starting as the opener for the second consecutive game. Holton has performed well, recording a perfect inning in the previous game against Houston.
Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee will start for Cleveland. Bibee has had mixed results against Detroit, with a 1-1 record and a 4.50 ERA in four starts this season.
This matchup marks Bibee’s first postseason appearance, and he feels prepared for the heightened intensity. “I might have more adrenaline with a bigger crowd, but I believe I’ll handle the pressure well,” he said.
Bibee’s slider has been particularly effective, yielding a mere .152 batting average against it this season.
MLB Parlay Picks & Predictions
Final Score: Cleveland 4-2
The Pick: Cleveland -149 & Under 7 (-115)
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $313
- MLB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook