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Tigers Claw Their Way to Game 1 Victory in Nail-Biting Playoff Opener
30 Sep
Summary
- Tarik Skubal's dominant 14-strikeout performance
- Tight pitchers' duel between Skubal and Gavin Williams
- Tigers scratch across late run to secure 2-1 win over Guardians

The 2025 MLB playoffs kicked off on Tuesday, and the opening game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians proved to be a tightly contested affair. Tigers starter Tarik Skubal was the star of the show, striking out 14 batters in a dominant performance. However, the game remained deadlocked at 1-1 for much of the contest as Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams matched Skubal's brilliance.
The game turned in the seventh inning when the Tigers were able to scratch across another run to take a 2-1 lead. Skubal continued to mow down Guardians hitters, striking out the side in the seventh and recording two outs in the eighth before handing the ball to the bullpen. The Guardians threatened in the ninth, but Tigers closer Will Vest was able to secure the 2-1 victory and give Detroit a 1-0 series lead.
The opening game of the 2025 MLB playoffs proved to be a thrilling pitchers' duel, with Skubal's heroics ultimately propelling the Tigers to a hard-fought win over their division rivals.