By Jonathan X. Simmons, cleveland.com
DETROIT, Mich. – In the first matchup of the season with their AL Central rival Detroit Tigers, the Cleveland Guardians powered through the rain for a 7-0 victory. They’ll try to do it again at 7:10 p.m. Eastern Friday night for their third win in a row.
The game will broadcast live on CleGuardians.TV. Those who have cut the cable cord can watch Guardians games this season for free by utilizing streaming alternatives like FuboTV and DirecTV, which both offer a free trial.
The Tigers (33-18) are in first place in the American League Central Division. They are 17-6 at home and and have won seven of the last 10 games. The Guardians (27-22), meanwhile, have the same record as the Minnesota Twins, but are in second place because they are winning the season series against Minnesota. Cleveland has a 13-14 record on the road this season and have lost six of their last 10 games. But after taking the first game against Detroit, another win on Friday would be their third in a row. The Tigers have a five-game lead on the next three closest teams in the division, including the Guardians, Twins and Kansas City Royals. Guardians vs. Tigers matchup history Despite both the Detroit and Cleveland baseball franchises being more than 100 years old, their first playoff matchup against each other came in the 2024 ALDS. The Guardians advanced 3-2 after a scare from Detroit. The Tigers, however, are winning the all-time series by just three games, 1,159-1,156.
Carlos Santana and Kyle Manzardo are tied for the team lead with 26 RBI’s, while Manzardo leads the way with 10 home runs.
Jose Ramirez is tied with Kwan for the team lead in runs with 27, while logging 54 hits and nine home runs for the Guardians this season.
Tigers players to watch
Outfielder Riley Greene leads the Tigers in home runs (12), batting average (.281) and hits 54 to this point in the season.
Spencer Torkelson has the team leadin RBI’s with 39, while Gleyber Torres’ .358 on base percentage is a team high.
Today’s pitching matchup
Slade Cecconi is expected to start on the mound for the Guardians Friday night. He has a 5.40 ERA in his last three appearances with five hits allowed, eight strikeouts and no walks.
Cecconi has an 8.52 ERA in 13 home games, including seven starts, but in 15 career road games, including 11 starts, Cecconi has a 4.39 ERA.
Jackson Jobe is expected to be the starting pitcher Friday for the Tigers. He’s got a 5.28 ERA in his last three appearances, with 17 hits allowed, 14 strikeouts and eight walks.
