News Summary
The Cleveland Guardians have taken control of the AL Central with a notable comeback win over the Detroit Tigers. After being 15½ games behind earlier, the Guardians have won 17 of their last 19 games, while the Tigers face an eight-game losing streak. Pitcher Tanner Bibee led the way with a strong performance, supported by key hits from George Valera and Jose Ramirez. This impressive pitching consistency has increased the Guardians’ playoff chances significantly, positioning them for postseason action as they look to maintain momentum in their final game against the Tigers.
CLEVELAND
The Cleveland Guardians have claimed sole possession of first place in the American League Central following a significant comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers. This victory marks a dramatic turnaround, especially considering that the Guardians were 15½ games behind the Tigers as recently as early July.
In their last 19 games, the Guardians have impressively won 17, boosting their overall record to 86-72. Conversely, the Tigers, who once held a commanding lead of 10 games as of September 3, have now entered into a challenging stretch, facing an eight-game losing streak.
The Guardians’ victory on September 24 was spearheaded by pitcher Tanner Bibee, who allowed just one run over six innings, contributing to a 5-1 overall win against the Tigers. The Guardians rallied from an early 1-0 deficit, aided by a two-run homer from George Valera in the third inning, while Jose Ramirez also played a key role with a two-run double during the game.
Notably, the Guardians’ pitching rotation has demonstrated remarkable consistency, allowing two or fewer runs in 19 consecutive games. This marks the longest such streak since the Tampa Bay Rays achieved the feat in 2019. This pitching efficiency has drastically shifted the Guardians’ playoff prospects, lifting their chances from a mere 2.9% to an impressive 96% within the month of September.
With one game remaining in the season series against the Tigers, the Guardians are in a strong position, controlling their own destiny. Any combination of Guardians’ wins and Astros’ losses totaling two will secure Cleveland a postseason berth. Should the Guardians continue their current trajectory, they also have a chance to establish a record for the largest deficit overcome to win a division title, possibly surpassing the 14-game deficit overcome by the 1978 New York Yankees.
As the Tigers confront their ongoing struggles, their manager, AJ Hinch, has expressed frustration regarding the team’s performance. In light of these challenges, Tigers’ ace Tarik Skubal is anticipated to start on the last day of the regular season, especially if the Tigers find themselves in need of a win to secure the division.
In addition to their recent success, the Guardians have transitioned to a six-man rotation in September, a strategic move that has significantly bolstered their pitching efficiency. Outfielder Steven Kwan highlighted the importance of maintaining focus on the game itself, rather than becoming preoccupied with the current standings.
The Guardians will face off against the Tigers again on September 25, as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the division and inch closer to a postseason return.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Guardians Overtake Tigers
- CBS Sports: Tigers Avoid Sweep vs Guardians
- Dispatch: Guardians New Odds to Win Division
- Beacon Journal: Guardians Playoff Standings
- News 5 Cleveland: Guardians Remain Tied in AL Central
- Wikipedia: Cleveland Guardians
- Google Search: Cleveland Guardians MLB
- Google Scholar: Cleveland Guardians
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cleveland Guardians
- Google News: Cleveland Guardians
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
