Kerry Carpenter’s Clutch Homer Lifts Tigers Over Guardians to Even ALDS
Detroit Tigers designated hitter Kerry Carpenter played the hero in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, launching a three-run homer off Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase to break a scoreless tie and secure a 3-0 victory on Monday night. Carpenter’s clutch performance evened the best-of-five series at one game apiece, with the next game slated for Wednesday in Detroit.
Carpenter, who entered the game as a pinch-hitter, connected on a 2-2 slider from Clase for a 423-foot blast, the hardest-hit ball of his career. “I wasn’t sitting on it, but I was on time for his hardest pitch. My instincts just took over,” Carpenter said after the game. His home run was the first given up by Clase to a left-handed hitter this season, and it marked only the ninth time in MLB postseason history that a homer in the ninth inning or later broke a scoreless tie.
The game-changing homer came after back-to-back two-out singles from Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney, setting the stage for Carpenter’s pivotal at-bat. “It’s exactly who you want at the plate in that situation,” said teammate Spencer Torkelson. “When you have a guy who stays that cool under pressure, it gives you the best chance to succeed.”
Carpenter’s impact has been undeniable since returning to the Tigers lineup in August, following a 2½-month absence due to a spine injury. His presence rejuvenated the Tigers’ offense, which surged from 24th to 11th in scoring upon his return. The slugger made his mark immediately, hitting two home runs in his first game back against Seattle and adding another the following day.
Tigers manager AJ Hinch praised Carpenter for his preparedness and resilience. “Everyone knows he’s a threat. We missed him a lot this year, and his presence makes a huge difference for us,” Hinch said.
Despite entering the game late, Carpenter’s home run wasn’t his only chance at the plate. In the seventh inning, he popped up to the catcher after having no swings in the batting cage. With Cleveland’s bullpen active by the fifth inning, Carpenter knew he would likely get another opportunity, and he made the most of it. “Doing it against Clase, the best closer in the game, makes it even more special,” Carpenter added.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt acknowledged Clase’s rare mistake. “These things happen, and it’s unfortunate when they do, but Clase will be in that situation again,” Vogt said.
On the pitching side, Tigers ace Tarik Skubal was stellar, tossing seven scoreless innings while allowing just three hits. The likely AL Cy Young winner kept the Guardians’ lineup in check, striking out eight and inducing key double-play balls in the fifth and sixth innings. “I’m at my best when I keep it simple and attack the hitters,” Skubal said. He became just the fifth pitcher in MLB history to start his postseason career with multiple scoreless outings of six innings or more, having blanked the Astros in the Wild Card Series as well.
Skubal’s dominant performance was a much-needed response after the Tigers were shut out in Game 1 of the series. If the Tigers can secure a win in either Game 3 or Game 4 at home, they’ll have the opportunity to send Skubal to the mound again in a potential Game 5.
The Tigers, who clawed their way into the postseason after a two-month surge, showed their resilience after a tough loss in the series opener. Catcher Jake Rogers emphasized the importance of perseverance, saying, “You’ve got to stay in the fight. That’s it.”
Carpenter’s ninth-inning blast shifted the momentum back to the Tigers, providing a key moment in what has been a dramatic postseason run. “I knew it was gone as soon as I hit it,” Carpenter said. “It was an amazing feeling to come through for the team.”
With the series now tied, all eyes turn to Detroit as the Tigers look to capitalize on their momentum and move closer to an ALCS berth.
KERRY CARPENTER BREAKS THE TIE WITH A 3 RUN NUKE IN THE TOP OF THE 9TH
— Yardline Sports (@YardlineSports) October 7, 2024
TIGERS LEAD 3-0
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