Riley Greene, Tigers Win ALDS Game 3 vs. Guardians as MLB Fans Hype ALCS Chances

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIOctober 9, 2024

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 09: Riley Greene #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Three of the Division Series at Comerica Park on October 09, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

Duane Burleson/Getty Images

On August 11, the 55-63 Detroit Tigers sat 10 games outside a playoff spot with a 0.2 percent percent chance to make the postseason, per FanGraphs.

Now Detroit is one win away from taking down the American League Championship Series berth after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 on Wednesday.

MLB @MLB
The <a href="https://twitter.com/tigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tigers</a> are one win away from advancing to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALCS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALCS</a>! <a href="https://t.co/qT4OfCvuaz">pic.twitter.com/qT4OfCvuaz</a>

Detroit scratched out a run in the first, third and sixth innings in Game 3 of the AL Division Series, which the team now leads two games to one.

Riley Greene's RBI single scored Parker Meadows in the first. Matt Vierling's sacrifice fly plated Jake Rogers in the third. And Spencer Torkelson's RBI double in the sixth drove home Colt Keith.

Six Tiger pitchers combined for the shutout in a bullpen game, striking out six while scattering six hits and two walks. Brant Hurter got the win, throwing for 3.1 innings after coming in for opener Keider Montero in the second inning. Tyler Holton earned the save for the Tigers, who have now held Cleveland scoreless for 20 straight innings.

Detroit finished the season 31-13 in its last 44 games, including a 15-3 stretch in September. The Tigers then visited Houston and swept the AL West champion Astros two games to zero.

Now Detroit is one victory away from beating the AL Central champions, and fans and analysts noted the potential of an ALCS berth and the team's incredible journey.

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Miguel Cabrera's Bat (Benson) @Miggysbat
The 2024 Detroit Tigers are one win away from the ALCS. I can't believe I just typed that.<a href="https://t.co/6i78lO0g9a">pic.twitter.com/6i78lO0g9a</a>

Ryan Ripken @ryanripkenshow
On top of that, the Detroit Tigers are looking to move one win closer to the ALCS. And a reminder that the Tigers SOLD at the trade deadline then went on a bender, winning 31 games in a 42 game stretch. <a href="https://t.co/4Wz9C6IOfr">https://t.co/4Wz9C6IOfr</a>

🍑 is trying his best @msupeach
YOUR DETROIT TIGERS ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM THE ALCS <a href="https://t.co/okR35UeP3x">pic.twitter.com/okR35UeP3x</a>

Schandy @D_Schandy24
The Detroit Tigers were 8 games under .500 on August 11. Now, they're one win away from the ALCS. Best story in sports. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RepDetroit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RepDetroit</a> <a href="https://t.co/IUcZrEdjzy">pic.twitter.com/IUcZrEdjzy</a>

Jed 🇬🇧 @TigersJUK
If they clinch tomorrow the Yankees/Royals might get Skubal three times in the ALCS….good luck.

Detroit Tigers memes @TheRyanBlevins
-THE GRITTY TIGS ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM THE ALCS! -Pitching chaos was amazing once again! 6 pitchers blank the Fraud-ians -Riley Greene jumped Cobb in the first inning -Tork RBI double, Matty V RBI sacrifice fly -Largest postseason crowd ever in Detroit! TIGAHS WIN! <a href="https://t.co/0SPKGLiKhY">pic.twitter.com/0SPKGLiKhY</a>

Britt @brittytigs
The Detroit Tigers are 1 win away from the ALCS in 2024 THIS IS NOT A DRILL <a href="https://t.co/ujzQOFpwa5">https://t.co/ujzQOFpwa5</a> <a href="https://t.co/BktjYkoxFc">pic.twitter.com/BktjYkoxFc</a>

TXRangersUpdates (78-84) @TXRUpdates
The Detroit Tigers are one win away from the ALCS… yes you right this tweet right lmaooo

𝕁𝕒𝕜𝕠𝕓 🌟 @jakedc6
Tigers being a game away from the ALCS is something you were not saying a month and a half ago. Unreal run

Jonny's Lasagna ⚾️ @JLasagna43
The Tigers being one game away from the ALCS doesn't even sound right 😂 What AJ Hinch has done with this group is unbelievable

tigermike1975 @tigermike1975
Tigers win 3-0 and are 1 game away from the ALCS! The amazing run continues! Cleveland has not scored in 20 innings at the plate! What more can be said for Pitching Chaos and this masterclass mound mastery! Everyone feels on the same page. This is just a Beautiful Thing! <a href="https://t.co/Ia6L0oo2Yw">pic.twitter.com/Ia6L0oo2Yw</a>

Derick Hutchinson @Derick_Hutch
The Tigers just put together a nearly perfect performance to pull within one game of the ALCS. The crowd was incredible, and they leave happy after the first playoff game at Comerica in 10 years.

Daily MSU @daily_msu
It just doesn't feel real that the Tigers can clinch their spot in the ALCS tomorrow

Rob Longley @longleysunsport
What a story the Tigers are right now. A win away from advancing to the ALCS ... <a href="https://t.co/JUQ3igV7Sn">https://t.co/JUQ3igV7Sn</a>

Darrell Flemington @bigdarrellF
The Detroit Tigers are 1 win away from the ALCS…. A team that had a 0.2% chance at the playoffs beginning of August. I will keep saying they're a team of destiny

Game 4 will go down in Detroit on Thursday at 6:08 p.m. ET.