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Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers ALDS Game 2 predictions

CLEVELAND — The Guardians' couldn't have started their postseason on a better note. The question now: how do they respond?

After the Guardians routed the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the American League Division Series Saturday afternoon, they now prepare to face the run-away favorite to win the AL Cy Young — Tarik Skubal — in Game 2. First pitch is set for 4:08 p.m. ET at Progressive Field.

Here are Beacon Journal staff predictions for ALDS Game 2.

Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan scores in the sixth against the Tigers in Game 1 of the ALDS, Oct. 5, 2024, in Cleveland.
Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan scores in the sixth against the Tigers in Game 1 of the ALDS, Oct. 5, 2024, in Cleveland.

Guardians vs. Tigers prediction: Who wins ALDS Game 2?

Lewis: The Guardians crushed the Tigers' "pitching chaos" approach in Game 1. Their task in Game 2 will be much more difficult, as Skubal won the pitching triple crown and was dominant in the Wild Card Series against the Astros. The Guardians are also having to ask a lot of Matthew Boyd coming off of Tommy John surgery. This is the game the Tigers probably have to win. I'll take Detroit to even the series, 5-3. But if the Guardians can pull this one out, the series is very likely to be over in Detroit.

Ulrich: The Guardians were wise to jump all over the Tigers en route to a commanding 7-0 Game 1 victory because Cleveland's task becomes more daunting now. Tarik Skubal, the presumptive AL Cy Young Award winner, will start Game 2 for the Tigers. Given Skubal's dominance, a 3-1 Tigers win is the wild guess you'll find here. The best-of-five series would be tied 1-1 and headed to Detroit for Game 3 on Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers ALDS Game 2 predictions