Oct 06,V7N-In Game 1 of the American League Division Series, the Cleveland Guardians dominated the Detroit Tigers with a 7-0 victory, fueled by Lane Thomas' three-run homer in the first inning. Cleveland jumped to a quick 5-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on Detroit's opener strategy, which faltered early as Tyler Holton failed to retire any of the four batters he faced.

Thomas, acquired from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, hit a three-run blast in his first postseason at-bat, putting the Guardians in command. David Fry later added a two-run double in the sixth inning, further securing Cleveland’s lead. The Guardians’ bullpen was stellar, allowing no hits in 4 1/3 innings and racking up 13 strikeouts overall.

Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four hits while striking out six before being relieved. Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, and Emmanuel Clase combined to close out the game without surrendering a hit.

Detroit, fresh off an upset win over the Houston Astros in the wild-card round, struggled offensively, managing just four hits. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged the difficulty of recovering after Cleveland’s five-run first inning and vowed to battle back in the series.

Game 2 of the series is set for Monday in Cleveland.

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