The Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers put on a defensive masterclass in game two of the American League Division Series. But in the top of the ninth inning, Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter smashed a three-run home run to steal the game from the Guardians. The teams face off in game three of the five game series on Wednesday in Detroit.
Radio host and CM Contributor Dennis Manoloff breaks down the keys to the Oct. 7 matchup:
Takeaway One: It's not over.
"It feels like it because they lost a home game," says Manoloff. "The Tigers did a great job, able to split the series on the road. They didn't win the series here. So hold off on the panic."
Takeaway Two: Tarik Skubal pitched like a Cy Young Award winner.
And when he didn't, the Guardians didn't seize the opportunity. "He dominated," says Manoloff. "The problem for Cleveland was when he did have a little bit of a let up, they failed to take advantage."
Takeaway Three: Emmanuel Clase is human.
The moment of the day was when the star Guardians pitcher gave up a three-run homer to the Tigers' Kerry Carpenter. "Emmanuel Clase had a Cy Young-type season as a closer for the Guardians," says Manoloff. "He'll be right back at it again the next time he's called on. He'll be just fine, but that was a shock to the system."
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