Lane Thomas slammed a three-run homer to cap a five-run first inning as the Cleveland Guardians jumped all over the visiting Detroit Tigers while notching a 7-0 victory on Saturday afternoon in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.
David Fry added a two-run double in the sixth inning as Cleveland cooled down the sixth-seeded Tigers, who stunned the No. 3 Houston Astros in the wild-card round. The No. 2 Guardians had a first-round bye.
Detroit had just four hits, including none in 4 1/3 innings against the Guardians’ bullpen. Cleveland totaled 13 strikeouts.
Game 2 is Monday in Cleveland.
The Tigers used Tyler Holton (0-1) as the opener for the second straight game and the strategy was quickly foiled when he didn’t retire any of the four batters he faced.
Holton allowed a double to Steven Kwan and walked Fry to open the game. Jose Ramirez then hit a bouncer right down the third-base line that Zach McKinstry couldn’t field for an error as Kwan scored.
Josh Naylor then stroked an RBI single through the right side to make it 2-0 and finish Holton’s outing. Reese Olson entered and Thomas ripped a first-pitch slider over the wall in left to make it 5-0.
The Guardians added on in the sixth inning. Cleveland had two on and two out when Fry lined a two-run double into the left field corner off Ty Madden to make it 7-0.
Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee was one out away in the fifth from qualifying for the victory when he gave up a single to Parker Meadows and subsequently was removed. The right-hander allowed four hits and one walk and struck out six.
Cade Smith (1-0) retired the next four batters. Tim Herrin and Hunter Gaddis each pitched a hitless inning before Emmanuel Clase finished up in a non-save situation.
Olson gave up one run and three hits in five innings for the Tigers. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.
–Field Level Media
