Kerry Carpenter’s dramatic homer lifts Tigers into ALDS tie with Guardians

Cleveland was left stunned as Kerry Carpenter hit a three-run homer off All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase in the ninth inning, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 3-0 victory in Game 2 on Monday, evening their AL Division Series at one game apiece.

Carpenter’s 423-foot blast with two outs came as a shock to Clase, who had not allowed a run since August 30 and led the American League in saves with 47.

“To do it off him is special,” Carpenter remarked. “He’s one of the best.”

Tigers ace Tarik Skubal pitched seven shutout innings, extending his postseason total to 13, before the Tigers capitalized on a rare big inning against Clase.

Clase, who had been dominant all season and hadn’t blown a save since May, was unable to contain the Tigers in the ninth inning. Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney hit consecutive two-out singles before Carpenter’s game-changing home run.

“How about those three two-out hits?” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised.

Despite the unexpected turn of events, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt didn’t regret using Clase for more than one inning, acknowledging that even the best can have off nights.

The Tigers, who have shown resilience throughout the season, now head back to Comerica Park for Games 3 and 4 with a chance to advance further in the playoffs.

“You come to this environment, on the road, and it’s a five-game series,” Hinch said. “When you get that emotional win and go back home 1-1, you feel like you got one on their home turf.”

When Carpenter stepped up to bat, the Tigers were confident that something special was about to happen.

After Skubal’s impressive start and a solid performance from the bullpen, Beau Brieske closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning save.

Cleveland had its chances but failed to capitalize, with Skubal shutting down their offense and the Tigers defense turning key double plays to maintain their lead.

Overall, it was a thrilling game that showcased the Tigers’ fighting spirit and set the stage for an exciting continuation of the series in Detroit.