Late-Game Heroics Seal Victory
Kerry Carpenter didn’t start the game, but he ended it with an unforgettable moment. The designated hitter for the Detroit Tigers hit a crucial three-run homer against Cleveland Guardians’ All-Star closer, Emmanuel Clase, during the ninth inning of Game 2 in their American League Division Series on Monday. His 423-foot blast shattered a scoreless tie and propelled the Tigers to a 3-0 victory, evening the series at one game apiece.
This remarkable home run—off a 2-2 slider—marked the hardest-hit ball of Carpenter’s career. It was also a rare feat, as it was the first time Clase had given up a home run to a left-handed batter all season. Carpenter's clutch performance ensures the Tigers head back to Detroit for Game 3 on Wednesday with renewed momentum.
“I wasn’t sitting on it,” Carpenter reflected post-game. “But I timed his hardest pitch perfectly. He didn't hit his mark, and I seized the opportunity.
Carpenter’s heroics followed two crucial two-out hits by catcher Jake Rogers and shortstop Trey Sweeney. As per ESPN Research, Carpenter's home run marked just the ninth instance of a postseason home run being hit in the ninth inning or later during a scoreless game.
Tigers Teammates Show Confidence
Spencer Torkelson, Carpenter’s teammate, wasn’t surprised by his timely hit. “He’s the person you want during those times,” Torkelson noted. “Remaining composed when it matters most gives you the greatest chance of success.”
The clubhouse echoed this sentiment, as Carpenter’s return to the lineup in August directly aligned with Detroit’s late-season surge. Before his return from a lumbar spine stress fracture that sidelined him for two and a half months, the Tigers ranked 24th in scoring. Once Carpenter was back, that ranking jumped to 11th, showcasing his impact.
Manager A.J. Hinch praised Carpenter’s ability to stay balanced under pressure. “It’s no secret he’s a major threat. He’s prepared, grounded, and exactly what we needed.”
The Game’s Turning Point
Carpenter, who entered the game as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, initially popped up to the catcher. But as the Guardians turned to their bullpen by the fifth inning, the Tigers knew Carpenter would have another shot. When that moment arrived, he delivered.
Carpenter stated, "Being involved in this is significant, particularly when facing Clase—there's a reason he's regarded as the top closer in the game."
Meanwhile, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged the significance of Carpenter’s home run, expressing confidence that Clase would bounce back. Such circumstances occur, but Clase will take the mound again for the ninth inning.
Skubal Dominates on the Mound
While Carpenter’s late-game heroics stole the headlines, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was equally instrumental. The probable AL Cy Young winner delivered seven dominant innings, stifling the Guardians’ offense. Skubal gave up only three hits, recorded eight strikeouts, and didn’t walk a single batter. His knack for generating inning-ending double plays in the fifth and sixth innings helped maintain Detroit's advantage in the game.
"That's when I perform at my best—maintaining simplicity and attacking hitters directly," Skubal remarked, "First, get strike one, then follow with strike two, and put them in a tough spot."
Skubal’s postseason performances have been masterful. After blanking the Houston Astros over six innings in the wild-card round, he added another seven shutout innings in Game 2. His postseason debut now ranks him among the elite, becoming just the fifth pitcher to begin a playoff career with multiple scoreless outings of six innings or more.
"There's a reason he's considered the top pitcher in the world," reliever Beau Brieske remarked with a smile.
If the series extends to a full five games, Skubal is scheduled to take the mound for Game 5.
Tigers Show Resilience
Detroit's journey to the playoffs has certainly been challenging.. After clawing their way into the playoffs and defeating Houston in the AL Wild Card Series, the Tigers were humbled by a 7-0 loss in Game 1 of the ALDS.
“You have to stay in the fight,” said catcher Jake Rogers, summing up the team’s mindset.
That resolve has been a hallmark of the Tigers since Carpenter returned to the team. His game-changing home run on Monday shifted the momentum of the series, proving the Tigers aren’t backing down.
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