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Detroit (1-0) at Cleveland (0-1)
- When: Oct 1 2025, 1:08 PM
- Where: Progressive Field, Cleveland
- Where to watch: ESPN
Detroit vs Cleveland MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Cleveland -133
Spread: Cleveland -1.5 (+175)
Total: 6.5
Detroit Tigers Betting Preview: Mize’s Moment of Redemption
The Detroit Tigers are in a strong position to close out the series after a gritty 2-1 Game 1 win, and they’ll turn to Casey Mize for Game 2 with a shot at sweeping the Cleveland Guardians out of the postseason. This start carries emotional weight for Mize, this same Cleveland ballpark was where he learned he’d been left off the 2024 playoff roster. Fast forward a year later, and he’s back as Detroit’s Game 2 starter.
Mize posted a 14-6 record with a 3.87 ERA in the regular season and went 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA against the Guardians this year. That includes handling Cleveland’s biggest threat, Jose Ramirez, whom Mize himself ranks as one of the toughest hitters he’s ever faced. The Tigers have to like their chances, not only with Mize on the hill but also given their defensive consistency and efficient bullpen anchored by Will Vest, who helped close the door in Game 1.
Detroit is now one win away from advancing, and with the Guardians reeling, oddsmakers could be underestimating their confidence. Mize has redemption on his mind and the Tigers have momentum in their dugout.
Cleveland Guardians Betting Preview: Do-Or-Die at Home
The Guardians were the AL Central champs, but they now face elimination in front of their home crowd after a deflating loss where two fielding errors led to the game’s only earned runs. With their backs against the wall, Cleveland sends out Tanner Bibee, who has been absolutely dominant against Detroit this season: 3-0 with a microscopic 0.95 ERA in three regular-season starts.
Still, the Guardians’ bats must wake up, just four hits in Game 1 won’t cut it. The offense needs more support behind Ramirez and company, especially considering the Tigers will likely keep pounding the strike zone with Mize. Manager Stephen Vogt is leaning on Bibee’s familiarity with this opponent, with this being their third meeting in just over two weeks.
Bibee believes it’s “chess, not checkers,” and both teams will adjust. But the Guardians’ offense has to find its spark fast. History isn’t on their side, only two teams have rallied from 0-1 to win a wild-card series under the current format.
Final Betting Prediction: Tigers Stay Hot, Guardians Stumble
Cleveland might have home-field advantage, but Detroit has all the momentum and a starter in Mize with something to prove. Given how sharp Bibee has looked against the Tigers, this shapes up to be another low-scoring battle, but the mental edge leans toward Detroit.
Score Prediction: Tigers 3, Guardians 2
Pick: Detroit (+111)
Total: Under 6.5 (-110)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
