The Cleveland Guardians’ offense woke up in a major way, and just in time.
After going seven innings with just one run on two hits, the Guardians scored five runs in the eighth inning on four extra-base hits – including two home runs – to beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1.
The win keeps them alive in this American League Wild Card Series and sets up a winner-take-all Game 3 on Thursday, Oct. 2 at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. That winner will fly to Seattle to take on the AL West-winning Mariners in the American League Division Series beginning Saturday.
The Guardians game-decisive inning started with a one-out solo homer by Brayan Rocchio off Tigers reliever Troy Melton. Steven Kwan followed with a double and scored on Daniel Schneemann’s double one batter later. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch went to the bullpen to get Brant Hurter, who intentionally walked Jose Ramirez before getting Kyle Manzardo to ground out to second base. Then Bo Naylor hit a back-breaking three-run homer.
‘For our guys to explode like that and kind of get some separation felt really good,’ Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said.
About Thursday’s Game 3, Vogt added: ‘Back’s still against the wall tomorrow, and we’re going to come out ready to go, I guarentee that. And so are they. It’s gonna be another dogfight tomorrow, I guarantee it.’
Here’s a complete rundown of how Game 2 of the AL wild card series between the Tigers and Guardians went down:
Tigers 9th inning
It wouldn’t be a Tigers-Guardians game without some late-game theatrics, even in a five-run game.
Guardians closer Cade Smith stayed in the game, but the Tigers made him work. Kerry Carpenter worked a one-out walk and then Spencer Torkelson was hit on the arm by a pitch. After Justyn-Henry Malloy struck out, Smith got Wenceel Perez bounced one to second, a harmless grounder that looked like it would end the game. However, Brayan Rocchio, the hero only a half inning before, misplayed it and everyone was safe to load the bases.
Smith, though, got Dillon Dingler to line out to first, to end the threat and the game, and force a winner-take-all Game 3 on Thursday.
Guardians 8th inning
Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio — who clinched Cleveland’s improbable AL Central division title on the final day of the regular season with a walk-off home run — has come through in the clutch once again. Facing new pticher Troy Melton, Rocchio got a fastball in the middle of the plate and hit it over the right field wall to put the Guardians ahead by one. Rocchio’s 379-foot blast, with an exit velocity of 98.8 mph, would have been a home run in 29 of the 30 current MLB parks.
And the Guardians aren’t finished. Back-to-back doubles by Steven Kwan and Daniel Schneeman plated another run. After an intentional walk to Jose Ramirez, the Tigers go to the bullpen again for lefty Brant Hurter.
One strike away from ending the inning, Cleveland catcher Bo Naylor golfed a sweeper from Hurter into those same rigth field stands for a three-run homer to break the game open. Looks like we’ll have a decisive Game 3 tomorrow. Guardians 6, Tigers 1
Tigers 8th inning
Zach McKinstry’s one-out walk brings up another key at-bat with Javier Baez at the plate. The Tigers stay out of an inning-ending double play by starting the runner as Baez hits a ground ball to third. With two outs, Cleveland turns to closer Cade Smith to face Tigers leadoff man Parker Meadows.
Smith comes through in the clutch, getting Meadows swinging at a splitter in the dirt. The Tigers are now 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position in the game. And we remain tied. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Guardians 7th inning
The Tigers make several defensive changes after the parade of pinch-hitters in the top of the inning. Andy Ibañez is now playing third base and Zach McKinstry moves from third to left field with Riley Greene out.
Ibañez’s first play is a tough one, as he has to go into foul territory to field Gabriel Arias’ grounder. But 1B Spencer Torkelson displays some nifty footwork to flag down the throw. Cleveland goes three up, three down against Finnegan. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Tigers 7th inning
The Tigers get their best threat since the go-ahead run was taken off the board in the fourth. Gleyber Torres reached base when a Hunter Gaddis pitch just grazed his jersey. Then Kerry Carpenter ripped a single to right-center, sending Torres to third with no one out. Spencer Torkelson can’t get the run in on a popup to shallow left field. Now it’s time for another Guardians pitching change with southpaw Tim Herrin entering.
Lefty-hitting Riley Greene, who led the Tigers with 36 home runs and 111 RBI during the regular season, gets called back for pinch-hitter Jahmai Jones as the Tigers seem to be going all-in for the win right here. But Herrin fans Jones for the second out and Wenceel Perez for the third to end the threat.
Nail-biting drama. Just what you want from the playoffs. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Guardians 6th inning
The managerial wheels are starting to turn. After Guardians leadoff man Steven Kwan pops out and right-handed outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez is announced as a pinch-hitter, Tigers manager A.J. HInch goes to his bullpen for righty Kyle Finnegan. Guardians skipper Steven Vogt counters with another pinch-hitter, lefty Daniel Schneeman.
Finnegan, a trade deadline acquisition from the Washington Nationals, strikes out Schneeman and walks the dangerous Jose Ramirez before retiring Kyle Manzardo on a gounder to first. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Tigers 6th inning
With two outs and a runner on first via a walk, the Guardians go to the bullpen. Right-hander Hunter Gaddis comes in to face shortstop Javier Baez. As he did in the fourth, Baez ripped a single through the infield. But with the go-ahead run in scoring position, Gaddis got Parker Meadows to hit a fly ball to center field. Though certainly not a routine play, especially in today’s conditions, Chase DeLauter reached out and snagged it to end the Detroit threat. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Guardians 5th inning
Tyler Holton pitches a second scoreless inning in relief for the Tigers, working around a two-out single by C.J. Kayfus. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Starting pitcher comparison
- Casey Mize (DET): 3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 62 pitches (37 strikes)
- Tanner Bibee (CLE): 4 2/3 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 87 pitches (56 strikes)
Neither pitcher will factor into the decision.
Tigers 5th inning
Both starting pitchers are now out of the game. After allowing a two-out single to Kerry Carpenter and a walk to Spencer Torkelson, the Guardians replace Tanner Bibee with lefty reliever Jason Sabrowski. On his first pitch to Riley Greene, Sabrowski gets a routine fly ball to center for the final out. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Guardians 4th inning
After a leadoff walk to Jose Ramirez, the Tigers go to the bullpen. Casey Mize comes out after throwing just 62 pitches in favor of left-hander Tyler Holton. The strategy pays off immediately as lefty-swinging DH Kyle Manzardo grounds into a double play. Holton gets catcher Bo Naylor on a grounder to third to end the inning. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Tigers 4th inning
The bright sunshine may have had an impact on Riley Greene’s one-out liner to right. The Guardians’ George Valera hesitated slightly in trying to flag it down as the ball got past him and bounced off the outfield wall. Greene never slowed down around first base and slid head-first into second with a double. He moved to third on a Wenceel Perez groundout before Bibee walked the next two batters to load the bases.
Javier Baez then gounded an 0-1 fastball up the middle for what appeared to be a two-run single to put the Tigers ahead. However, the Guardians challenged the safe call as runner Zach McKinstry tried to go from first to third on the play. After review, McKinstry was ruled out on the bang-bang play AND the replay official ruled that the out was recorded before Dillon Dingler crossed the plate with the Tigers’ second run. Guardians 1, Tigers 1
Guardians 3rd inning
Mize needs only six pitches to retire the side, He needed it too, as he’s up to 53 through three innings. Guardians 1, Tigers 0
Tigers 3rd inning
Gleyber Torres ends a streak of eight consecutive batters retired by Bibee with a two-out single to left. He moved into scoring position on a wild pitch, but could get no further as Kerry Carpenter fouled out to third baseman Jose Ramirez. Guardians 1, Tigers 0
Guardians 2nd inning
Chase DeLauter gets a standing ovation as he comes to the plate with two outs for his first at-bat as a major leaguer. After going into an early two-strike hole, the 2022 first-rounder from James Madison battled back to draw a walk. Fellow rookie C.J. Kayfus grounded out to first to end the inning. Guardians 1, Tigers 0
Tigers 2nd inning
After misplaying a fly ball in the sun in the opening inning, rookie center fielder Chase DeLauter received a rousing ovation when he flagged down an otherwise routine fly ball by the Tigers’ Wenceel Perez to lead off the second. Detroit goes in order. Guardians 1, Tigers 0
Guardians 1st inning
Another Guardians rookie outfielder makes his mark in the postseason as George Valera locked in on a Casey Mize fastball for a solo homer to give Cleveland the early lead. The lefty-swinging Valera, who hit two home runs in 41 at-bats with the Guardians during the regular season, sent a 3-2 pitch from Mize 411 feet into the right field seats. Guardians 1, Tigers 0
Tigers 1st inning
Leadoff hitter Parker Meadows reached on an infield single that Guardians second baseman Brayan Rocchio couldn’t corral. Rocchio appeared to tweak his wrist on the play, but remained in the game.
Immediately afterward, the sunny and windy conditions wreaked havoc on rookie center fielder Chase DeLauter, who couldn’t corral Gleyber Torres’ high fly ball. It clanked off his glove for an error. But Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee picked up his teammates by striking out the next three hitters to get out of the jam unscathed.
What time is Tigers vs. Guardians Game 2?
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
- Start time: 1:08 p.m. ET
Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series between the Tigers and Guardians will start at 1:08 p.m. ET from Progressive Field in Cleveland.
What channel is Tigers vs. Guardians Game 2?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN app, Fubo
MLB postseason bracket
American League
- No. 1 Toronto Blue Jays: Homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. Will host winner of No. 4 vs. No. 5 wild-card series in the AL Division Series.
- No. 2 Seattle Mariners: Will host winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 wild-card series in AL Division Series.
- No. 6 Detroit Tigers at No. 3 Cleveland Guardians
- No. 5 Boston Red Sox at No. 4 New York Yankees
National League
- No. 1 Milwaukee Brewers: Homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, including World Series. Will host winner of No. 4 vs. No. 5 wild-card series in the NL Division Series.
- No. 2 Philadelphia Phillies: Will host winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 wild-card series in NL Division Series.
- No. 6 Cincinnati Reds at No. 3 Los Angeles Dodgers
- No. 5 San Diego Padres at No. 4 Chicago Cubs
Tigers vs Guardians predictions
Here’s how the USA TODAY Sports MLB writers and editors see the Tigers-Guardians wild-card series shaking out:
- Bob Nightengale: Guardians in 3
- Gabe Lacques: Tigers in 2
- Jesse Yomtov: Guardians in 2
Tigers pitcher today
Right-hander Casey Mize will get the Game 2 start for Detroit after posting the best season of his five-year career. Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 MLB draft, went 14-6 with a 3.87 ERA in 28 starts in 2025. In three starts against the Guardians this season, Mize was 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.
Guardians pitcher today
Tanner Bibee will be tasked with keeping Cleveland’s season alive. Bibee took a step back in 2025, going 12-11 with a 4.24 ERA. However, the right-hander was lights out during his final four starts to the regular season, going 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA. That stretch included two outings against the Tigers, against whom Bibee allowed two earned runs in 12 innings with 13 strikeouts.
Tigers lineup for Game 2
- Parker Meadows, CF
- Gleyber Torres, 2B
- Kerry Carpenter, DH
- Spencer Torkelson, 1B
- Riley Greene, LF
- Wenceel Perez, RF
- Dillon Dingler, C
- Zach McKinstry, 3B
- Javier Baez, SS
Guardians lineup for Game 2
- Steven Kwan, LF
- George Valera, RF
- Jose Ramirez, 3B
- Kyle Manzardo, DH
- Bo Naylor, C
- Gabriel Arias, SS
- Chase DeLauter, CF
- C.J. Kayfus, 1B
- Brayan Rocchio, 2B
MLB playoff picture
Wild Card Series
Tuesday, Sept. 30
- Tigers 2, Guardians 1 (Detroit leads 1-0)
- Cubs 3, Padres 1 (Chicago leads 1-0)
- Red Sox 3, Yankees 1 (Boston leads 1-0)
- Dodgers 10, Reds 5 (Los Angeles leads 1-0)
Wednesday, Oct. 1
- Tigers at Guardians, Game 2: 1:08 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Padres at Cubs, Game 2: 3:08 p.m. ET, ABC
- Red Sox at Yankees, Game 2: 6:08 p.m. ET, ESPN
- Reds at Dodgers, Game 2: 9:08 p.m. ET, ESPN
Thursday, Oct. 2
(Game 3 schedule subject to change)
- Tigers at Guardians, Game 3: 1:08 p.m. ET, ESPN * if necessary
- Padres at Cubs, Game 3: 3:08 p.m. ET, ABC * if necessary
- Red Sox at Yankees, Game 3: 6:08 p.m. ET, ESPN * if necessary
- Reds at Dodgers, Game 4: 9:08 p.m. ET, ESPN * if necessary
Tigers record in 2025
Detroit finished 87-75 to each the No. 6 wild card in the American League. The Tigers held a 14-game lead in the division on July 8 but went 28-41 after that and lost the AL Central lead during the final week of the season.
Guardians record in 2025
Cleveland was 88-74, rallying from a 15.5-game deficit in early July to win its second consecutive division title. The Guardians went 48-26 after losing to the Tigers on July 6, that included winning 18 of their final 22 games and taking five of six from the Tigers in the final two weeks.
Who is Chase DeLauter?
The Guardians made the surprising decision to put outfielder Chase DeLauter on their 26-man roster for the wild-card round. DeLauter will start in center field for Cleveland during Game 2 and bat seventh. It’s surprising because DeLauter, Cleveland’s first-round pick in the 2022 MLB draft, has yet to make his major-league debut. DeLauter, who has slashed .302/.384/.504 in three minor league seasons, will give the Guardians another left-handed bat off the bench and a strong defensive outfielder that can play all three spots.