Guardians defeat Tigers 7-3 to advance in playoffs

In Cleveland, on October 12, 2024, Lane Thomas delivered a pivotal performance by hitting a grand slam off Tarik Skubal, leading the Guardians to a 7-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the AL Division Series. This win propelled the Guardians into the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees, marking their first appearance in the ALCS since 2016. Thomas's impressive five RBIs were crucial, especially against Skubal, a leading contender for the AL Cy Young Award. The Guardians, under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, exceeded expectations this season, clinching the AL Central title despite being considered underdogs. Their journey to the postseason was marked by resilience, particularly after a challenging start to the season. The team’s success was highlighted by their ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by Thomas's earlier three-run homer in Game 1 of the series. The Tigers, who had a remarkable late-season surge, fell short of advancing after a strong push that saw them go 31-13 post-August 11. Despite their efforts, they were unable to capitalize on opportunities to eliminate the Guardians in previous games. Manager A.J. expressed disappointment but acknowledged the team's heart and determination throughout the season. As the Guardians prepare for their matchup against the Yankees, they aim to end a World Series title drought that has persisted since 1948, bringing renewed hope to their fanbase.