The Detroit Tigers’ postseason hopes are on the line today as they face the Cleveland Guardians in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the AL Wild Card series. After a strong 2-1 victory in Game 1, Detroit lost all momentum with a tough 6-1 defeat in Game 2 at Progressive Field. Now, it comes down to one final clash at 3:08 PM EST to decide who advances.
How to Watch
Date: 10/02/2025
Time: 3:08 pm EST
Stadium: Progressive Field, Cleveland, OH
Radio: 97.1 The Ticket, LaZ WDTW 1310AM/107.9FM, ESPN Radio (national)
Watch: ABC, ESPN+
Pitching Matchup: Flaherty vs Cecconi
The Tigers hand the ball to veteran Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA, 188 strikeouts), who will be asked to deliver stability after the bullpen-heavy effort in Game 2. Flaherty has been up-and-down this season, but his big-game experience makes him a critical piece for Detroit.
For Cleveland, it’s Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA, 109 strikeouts) making the start. The Guardians have leaned on their deep pitching staff all year, and Cecconi will look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet.
Odds:
-Spread: Detroit Tigers -1.5 (+170)/ Cleveland Guardians +1.5 (-210)
-Money Line: Detroit Tigers +100/ Cleveland Guardians -120
-Over/Under: 7
Odds from BetMGM current to the time of publishing
What Went Wrong in Game 2
Detroit’s offense never found a rhythm. Javier Báez accounted for the Tigers’ only RBI of the game during the fourth inning. Manager A.J. Hinch pulled starter Casey Mize after just three innings, relying on four relievers to close out the game. The Guardians capitalized, stretching their lead and keeping Detroit’s bats silent.
Despite the loss, Báez has been a postseason bright spot, leading all hitters with a .571 average, .571 OBP, and 4 hits through the series. But he’ll need help; Riley Greene (.258 AVG, 155 hits, 111 RBI), Spencer Torkelson (.240 AVG, 135 hits, 78 RBI), Gleyber Torres (.256 AVG, 136 hits, 74 RBI), and the heart of the order must step up if Detroit wants to survive.
What’s at Stake:
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of today’s matchup earns a day off before heading west for the AL Division Series against the Seattle Mariners. For Detroit, a win would mark their first postseason series victory since 2013. For Cleveland, it’s about defending home turf and proving their September surge was no fluke.
For the Tigers, it comes down to one thing: wake up the bats and trust the arms.
Further Reading:
Tigers vs. Guardians Game 3 Gets New Start Time, Channel – Detroit Sports Nation
A.J. Hinch Explains Controversial Decision to Pinch Hit for Riley Greene – Detroit Sports Nation
Tarik Skubal Ties Tigers’ Postseason Strikeout Record in Game 1 Win – Detroit Sports Nation
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