Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Guardians Score Today: Live Updates

As a baseball fan, this is what you live for. As a baseball player, this is what you dream about when you play whiffleball in your backyard. Win or go home. That's it.

The Detroit Tigers gave themselves some wiggle room by getting Tarik Skubal's start in Game 2 and taking care of business with a relatively stress-free Game 3, but missed a chance to tie the series in Game 4 when Beau Brieske gave up a huge home run to David Fry, who turned the game on its head.

The good news for the Tigers is that they had the ultimate ace up their sleeve as Skubal will be making his third start this postseason. Skubal has been surprisingly good so far, allowing just seven hits and no runs in 13 high-intensity innings in Houston and Cleveland. This will also be Skubal's third start on the road, something the left-hander has enjoyed so far, talking to the crowd as he left the mound and helping his team get going .

Watch Tigers-Guardians live on Sling

This game will start significantly earlier than originally planned, but you won't find many anxious Tigers and Guardians fans complaining about a shorter wait to find out their fate. Game 5 was originally scheduled to begin at 4:08 p.m., but was then moved to 8:08 p.m. after the Yankees defeated the Royals and no longer needed Game 5, but was then moved to 1:08 p.m. due to weather concerns.

The big question in the game is the status of Game 2 hero Kerry Carpenter, who had to leave Game 4 after straining his hamstring while trying to score a run at third base. The Tigers remained relatively tight-lipped about Carpenter's status, saying it was a game-time decision, but manager AJ Hinch indicated he was encouraged by what he saw from Carpenter at Progressive Field on Saturday morning.

“The encouraging thing is that he’s doing something and moving,” Hinch said. “He hit the cage after our training yesterday, which was good and we’re all hoping for the best. He just needs to pass one more test before we can definitely say he’s ready to go.”

Tigers vs Guardians ALDS Game 5 Live Updates, Highlights

Game notes and highlights follow.

Tigers vs. Guardians ALDS Game 5 Pregame Notes

BUILT FOR THIS: The Detroit Tigers' season isn't a mirage or even magic – they're built to win ALDS Game 5

A win will see the Tigers advance to the ALCS, where they will play the New York Yankees for the American League pennant, while a loss will end the Tigers' run in 2024.

The Tigers had a chance to close the series at home in Game 4, but lost the hard-fought game 5-4 to go the distance. It was a back-and-forth battle at Comerica Park, and the Guardians emerged victorious with another game-winning hit, a tight two-run home run by David Fry, keeping their season alive.

The Tigers have star pitcher Tarik Skubal who will pitch the deciding game. Skubal is 2-0 in the postseason without giving up a run over 13 innings, including seven innings of shutout ball against the Guardians in Game 2 to spark a late surge. On the other hand, former Tiger and left-hander Matthew Boyd gets his second start of the series for Cleveland after also starting Game 2 and giving up no runs in 4⅔ innings.

Designated hitter Kerry Carpenter still faces a game-time decision with a hamstring injury, while catcher Jake Rogers is back to full action after catching foul balls off his catcher's wrist last game.

Tigers Game 5 lineup:

Justyn-Henry Malloy DH
Matt Vierling 3B
Riley Greene LF
Andy Ibanez 2B
Wenceel Perez RF
Spencer Torkelson 1B
Parker Meadows CF
Jake Rogers C
Trey Sweeney SS

Guardians Game 5 Lineup:

Steven Kwan LF
David Fry DH
Jose Ramirez 3B
Lane Thomas CF
Josh Naylor 1B
Jhonkensy Noel RF
Bo Naylor C
Andres Giménez 2B
Brayan Rocchio SS

What: Game 5 of ALDS in the 2024 MLB Playoffs.

When: 1:08 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Progressive Field in Cleveland.

TV: TBS.

TV announcer: Brian Anderson and Jeff Francoeur.

Live stream: On Sling TV.

Radio: WXYT-FM (97.1) in Detroit (Tigers Radio affiliates); nationally on ESPN Radio.

Jake Rogers (C), Dillon Dingler (C), Andy Ibáñez (2B/3B), Colt Keith (2B), Jace Jung (3B), Zach McKinstry (UTIL), Trey Sweeney (SS), Spencer Torkelson (1B), Matt Vierling (3B/OF), Riley Greene (OF), Parker Meadows (CF), Kerry Carpenter (OF/DH), Wenceel Pérez (OF), Justyn-Henry Malloy (DH/OF), Beau Brieske (RHP), Jason Foley (RHP), Sean Guenther (LHP), Brenan Hanifee (RHP), Tyler Holton (LHP), Brant Hurter (LHP), Jackson Jobe (RHP), Ty Madden (RHP), Keider Montero (RHP), Reese Olson (RHP), Tarik Skubal (LHP), Will Vest (RHP).

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Tigers vs Guardians ALDS Game 5 Live Updates, Highlights

Tigers vs. Guardians ALDS Game 5 Pregame Notes

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