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Kerry Carpenter Shines with Decisive Home Run to Lead Tigers to ALDS Game 2 Victory

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Kerry Carpenter connected on a dramatic three-run home run in the ninth inning against Cleveland Rangers All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 3-0 victory in Game 2 of the American League Divisional Series (ALDS), tying the series 1-1.

A Surprising Home Run: Carpenter and his Dramatic Connection

Carpenter's 423-foot homer came with two outs and surprised the crowd in Cleveland, as Clase had been virtually untouchable up to that point. Known for his dominance, Clase had not allowed a run since August 30 and led the American League with 47 saves during the regular season.

After the game, Carpenter praised Clase, expressing that it was a special moment to hit a home run against "one of the best" closers in the MLB. His decisive performance turned the tide for the Tigers, who had struggled offensively in the first two games of the series.

Detroit's victory was also due in large part to the outstanding performance of their ace, Tarik Skubal. The left-hander pitched seven shutout innings, extending his streak of innings without allowing a postseason run to 13.

Skubal, who won the American League Triple Crown in pitching with the lead in wins (18), ERA (2.39) and strikeouts (288), was masterful, allowing just three hits and striking out eight Cleveland batters.

His control of the game was evident as he navigated a pair of potential scoring threats, with his team's defensive support. The Tigers delivered two crucial double-kill plays, including one in the fifth inning when Josh Naylor connected on a double to give Cleveland its first hit.

Although Detroit's offense was quiet for most of the game, the ninth inning brought the big moment. Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney connected back-to-back singles with two outs, setting the stage for Carpenter's game-deciding home run.

Reflections from Managers

Manager A.J. Hinch praised his team's resilience and perseverance, especially the importance of the three consecutive two-out hits. He stressed how important it was to secure an away win in a best-of-five-game series, where momentum can shift quickly.

For Cleveland, manager Stephen Vogt defended his decision to extend Clase's participation beyond one inning, citing the closer's consistency throughout the season. Despite allowing the decisive home run, Vogt expressed confidence in Clase's ability to bounce back and his willingness to call on him in future high-pressure situations.

The Tigers' offense had been dormant until Carpenter's big hit. Detroit had been blanked in Game 1 and struggled to generate runs early in Game 2. However, their ability to stay competitive in the late innings paid off when it mattered most.

The win also continued their impressive streak in the postseason, which followed a strong finish to the regular season in which they posted a 31-13 record after August 11 to secure a playoff berth. This hot streak included eliminating the American League West Division champion Houston Astros in the Wild Card Series.

Game 3 of the Series

As the series shifts to Detroit, where the Tigers will host Games 3 and 4 at Comerica Park, the team is optimistic about its chances of advancing to the American League Championship Series.

A.J. Hinch acknowledged the crucial role of home-field advantage, noting the potential impact of the home crowd in postseason games. The enthusiasm in the Tigers' locker room was evident, with players such as catcher Jake Rogers dubbing Carpenter "Kerry Bonds" in honor of his game-changing home run.

Rogers, who watched the ball fly from behind the plate, recalled how he couldn't contain his excitement, cheering loudly as the ball left the ballpark.

Will Vest, who pitched a runless eighth inning for Detroit, picked up the win, while Beau Brieske pitched a perfect ninth inning to secure the save and seal the victory.

Tarik Skubal, who was taking a post-game workout when Carpenter connected on the home run, reflected on his reaction, explaining how he jumped with excitement when he saw the ball leave the park. Skubal described Clase as the "best closer in the game," further underscoring the importance of Carpenter's feat.

Cleveland's offense, which struggled throughout the game, only presented real threats in the fifth and sixth innings. Josh Naylor's double in the fifth inning was quickly neutralized by Skubal, and in the sixth, a double by Brayan Rocchio, followed by a single by Steven Kwan, once again put pressure on the Tigers.

However, a key double-kill play again extinguished the Guardians' hopes. Skubal's energy was evident after both double-kill plays, as he cheered the crowd with animated gestures and celebrated each escape with intensity.

Injury Affect

The Guardians faced additional challenges, including an injury setback to their all-around player Tyler Freeman, who was removed from the ALDS roster after suffering an oblique strain during a simulated game. Freeman, who had been a reliable bat against Detroit during the regular season, batting .385, was replaced by rookie Angel Martinez.

Heading into Game 3, the Rangers will send right-hander Alex Cobb to the mound. Cobb, who has not pitched since Sept. 1 due to a blister on his middle finger, was acquired in a trade with the San Francisco Giants in July.

He will be making his first postseason appearance since 2013, a long-awaited return to October baseball. Meanwhile, the Tigers have yet to announce their starting pitcher, as A.J. Hinch evaluates his options for this crucial series showdown.

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