Guardians Secure ALDS Victory Against Tigers in Game 5, Fueled by Lane Thomas’ Exciting Grand Slam.
The Cleveland Guardians reached the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2016, winning a decisive Game 5 of the AL Division Series against the Detroit Tigers with a score of 7-3.
Guardians center fielder Lane Thomas made a significant impact, contributing to five of the team’s runs with a grand slam and an RBI single. This result was a disappointing conclusion for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, a likely Cy Young award contender, despite his strong postseason start.
Skubal had thrown 13 scoreless innings to kick off the playoffs and remained dominant until the fifth inning, when the Guardians loaded the bases with three singles. He then hit third baseman José Ramírez with a pitch, allowing Cleveland to score their first run. Moments later, Thomas launched a sinker from Skubal into the bleachers for a grand slam.
Despite a lackluster .390 slugging percentage since being traded to the Guardians midseason, Thomas has emerged as a key player in October. Celebrations erupted online, including reactions from Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell and other fans.
Detroit wasn’t finished, as first baseman Spencer Torkelson doubled and scored to narrow the gap to 5-2 in the sixth. The Tigers loaded the bases but were unable to capitalize, ending the inning with a strikeout.
Second baseman Colt Keith also contributed an RBI double in the seventh, but Guardians reliever Eli Morgan struck out the next two batters to escape the jam.
Closer Emmanuel Clase entered in the eighth inning, a somewhat risky move by manager Stephen Vogt since Clase had only pitched more than one inning once during the regular season. However, he successfully retired all six batters he faced, securing the victory.
The Guardians will begin the ALCS on Monday at Yankee Stadium, with first pitch set for 7:38 p.m. ET. The New York Yankees won four out of six games in their regular-season matchups and hold a 15-12 advantage in playoff history, but given Cleveland’s performance this season, they shouldn’t be underestimated.
