The Detroit Tigers kick off their final three-game series of the season against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with both teams clawing for the AL Central’s top spot.
Detroit once held a comfortable division lead, but that cushion evaporated after Cleveland’s second-half surge. Now, with just a single game separating the teams and only two weeks left, every pitch suddenly feels enormous.
AL Central Race Reaches Fever Pitch
The Tigers come in at 85-71, just ahead of Cleveland’s 84-72. Earlier this summer, Detroit looked ready to run away with the division, but that’s ancient history now.
Cleveland’s hot streak and their sweep of the Tigers at Comerica Park earlier this month have cranked up the drama. Detroit’s gone just 4-6 against Cleveland this season, which isn’t exactly comforting heading into Progressive Field.
First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET on Tuesday, and you can almost feel the tension already.
Series Stakes Could Decide the Division
This series isn’t just about pride—it’s about the playoffs. With only two weeks left, these three games could decide who takes the AL Central.
The teams don’t face each other again in 2024, so this is it. Every at-bat matters a little more than usual.
Pitching Matchup: Skubal vs. Williams
Tuesday’s opener features two young arms who’ve been nothing short of excellent. Detroit hands the ball to Tarik Skubal, who’s 13-5 with a 2.23 ERA.
He’s been a rock for the Tigers all year. Cleveland counters with Gavin Williams, who’s 11-5 and sports a 3.06 ERA.
Williams has looked sharp lately and seems eager to keep Detroit under his thumb.
The Importance of the First Game
Opening games in a series like this set the tone. If Detroit wins, they get some breathing room at the top.
If Cleveland takes it, they pull even and maybe grab a mental edge. It’s tough to overstate what’s riding on that first night.
Where to Watch
Fans don’t have to miss a pitch. The game airs on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit for local Tigers coverage.
- Streaming? Try FuboTV or FuboTV (FDSN only)—both have different plans and free trials if you’re feeling indecisive.
- DirecTV Stream is another option, good for casual fans or those glued to every inning.
Lots of ways to tune in, whether you’re parked on the couch or catching updates on the go.
The Road Ahead
After this series, both teams have tough schedules, but nothing with stakes quite like these three games.
Detroit has to shake off their struggles against Cleveland if they want to control their own destiny.
Cleveland’s playing with swagger, having already shown they can beat Detroit when it counts. If they keep the pressure on, this could be the moment that tips the AL Central race.
Key Factors to Watch
Several things could swing this series:
- Pitching Efficiency: Can Skubal shut down Cleveland, or does Williams keep Detroit’s bats quiet?
- Timely Hitting: Clutch at-bats in close games might decide it all.
- Defensive Play: One mistake could be the difference between a win and a loss.
Final Thoughts
For the Tigers, this series is about redemption and survival. The Guardians want to seize a big opportunity and ride their late-season surge.
This battle at Progressive Field isn’t just another set of games. It’s a collision of momentum, skill, and determination, with both teams feeling the pressure.
Fans, analysts, and players all sense it—the AL Central title might get decided in these next three nights. In baseball, when things get this close, these moments really do separate contenders from champions.
Here is the source article for this story: Where to watch the Tigers vs. Guardians MLB live stream today, September 23
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