Tigers vs Guardians Highlights, Score: Cleveland Forces Game 3 with Late Power Surge

The Cleveland Guardians kept their season alive with a dramatic 6-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the 2025 MLB wild-card series on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at Progressive Field. The win evened the best-of-three series at 1-1 and set up a decisive Game 3 on Thursday.

Detroit held the Guardians scoreless for much of the game, but a five-run eighth inning changed everything. Rookie second baseman Brayan Rocchio’s go-ahead solo home run and catcher Bo Naylor’s clutch three-run blast sealed Cleveland’s win and sent the series to a winner-take-all finale.

Guardians Stun Tigers with Explosive Eighth-Inning Rally

The game stayed tight through seven innings, with both teams tied 1-1. Tigers starter Casey Mize, making his first postseason appearance, pitched three innings and allowed just one run — a solo homer by rookie George Valera in the first. Detroit relievers Tyler Holton and Kyle Finnegan kept the Guardians off balance until the eighth.

In the bottom of the eighth, Cleveland finally broke through. Brayan Rocchio, hitting ninth, launched a solo home run off rookie reliever Troy Melton to break the tie. Steven Kwan then doubled, Daniel Schneemann drove him in, and after a José Ramírez walk, Bo Naylor crushed a three-run shot off lefty Brant Hurter. The Guardians went from 1-1 to a commanding 6-1 lead in just minutes.

Detroit’s offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities all night. The Tigers left 11 runners on base and went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position. A controversial overturned call in the fourth inning erased what appeared to be a go-ahead RBI hit by Javier Báez. Initially ruled safe, Zach McKinstry’s slide into third was overturned after replay review, wiping away a potential 2-1 lead.

What Comes Next in Tigers vs Guardians Wild-Card Series

With the series tied 1-1, Thursday’s Game 3 will decide who advances to the American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners. The Tigers will start veteran right-hander Jack Flaherty (8-15, 4.64 ERA), while the Guardians will counter with Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA).

First pitch time will depend on how other wild-card series unfold. If all series reach a Game 3, Detroit and Cleveland will play at 1:08 p.m. ET. If fewer series go the distance, the game could move to 3:08 p.m. ET or 7:08 p.m. ET. The matchup will air on ESPN and WXYT-FM radio in Detroit.

The winner of Thursday’s game moves on to face the Mariners in the ALDS starting Saturday, Oct. 4. The loser’s season ends. Detroit, hoping to avoid another early exit, will need timely hitting and better bullpen execution to keep its playoff run alive.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the Tigers vs Guardians Game 2 final score?

The Guardians beat the Tigers 6-1 in Game 2 to tie the wild-card series at 1-1.

Q2: Who hit home runs in Tigers vs Guardians Game 2?

George Valera hit a solo home run early for Cleveland. Brayan Rocchio and Bo Naylor both homered in the eighth inning.

Q3: What time is Game 3 between the Tigers and Guardians?

The start time depends on other series results — 1:08 p.m., 3:08 p.m., or 7:08 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 2.

Q4: Who are the starting pitchers for Tigers vs Guardians Game 3?

The Tigers will start Jack Flaherty, and the Guardians will go with Slade Cecconi.

Q5: What’s at stake in Game 3 of the wild-card series?

The winner advances to face the Seattle Mariners in the ALDS starting Saturday, while the loser is eliminated from the playoffs.