Tigers edge Guardians 2-1 with Skubal's 14 strikeouts in AL Wild Card Game 1

In Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series, Detroit Tigers' pitcher Tarik Skubal tied a postseason record with 14 strikeouts, leading the Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Skubal was dominant on the mound, throwing 7 2/3 innings with a 99.1 mph fastball, while Cleveland's Gavin Williams also pitched well but was hurt by errors that led to unearned runs. The Tigers scored the go-ahead run in the seventh inning and held off a late Cleveland rally marked by a crucial out at home plate involving Jose Ramírez. This postseason matchup is notable as the Guardians had made a historic comeback to win the AL Central and are hosting the Tigers for the best-of-3 series. Both teams' starting pitchers, Skubal and Williams, have been key figures throughout the season, with Skubal being a favorite for the AL Cy Young Award for the second straight year. The series continues with Game 2, where the Tigers aim to advance to the AL Division Series for the second consecutive year.