CLEVELAND — With the game tied, anticipation fills the air as something spectacular is on the verge of occurring.

With two outs and two runners on base, Kerry Carpenter stood at the plate facing the Cleveland Guardians’ closer, Emmanuel Clase.

This moment could define the game — perhaps even the series.

Carpenter seized the opportunity, launching a slider deep into right field for a stunning 423-foot three-run homer, propelling the Detroit Tigers to a thrilling 3-0 victory in Game 2 of the ALDS at Progressive Field.

What an exhilarating conclusion to an incredible game.

This matchup showcased remarkable plays.

From impressive defensive efforts by young Tigers players.

To a disputed catch by Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan—was it a catch or not? Ultimately, it seems irrelevant now.

Most importantly, the game featured outstanding pitching.

Tarik Skubal was spectacular, delivering seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts and allowing just three hits. He took a perfect game into the fifth inning, extending his scoreless inning streak to 13 in his first two postseason starts, joining an elite group in MLB history.

Upon leaving the mound, Skubal received a handshake and a hug from manager A.J. Hinch in the dugout.

Cleveland’s pitching was equally impressive. Former Tiger Matthew Boyd pitched 4⅔ innings, striking out five and setting the stage for the game’s tension. The Guardians’ bullpen was formidable.

That is, until Carpenter’s magic unfolded.

Both teams have a day off on Tuesday, with Game 3 set for Wednesday at Comerica Park in Detroit (3:08 p.m. ET, TBS). Game 4 will take place on Thursday, and a possible Game 5 is scheduled for Saturday in Cleveland.

Tarik Skubal’s outstanding performance

In the fifth inning, Skubal was nearly flawless, retiring 13 hitters in order. No hits, walks, or runs. He exhibited complete command while dismantling the Guardians line-up, doing just about everything right.

However, he faltered when facing Josh Naylor, leaving a fastball in the middle of the plate which Naylor promptly drove for a double, marking Cleveland’s first hit and ending Skubal’s perfect game bid.

Things further complicated when Skubal hit Jhonkensy Noel, putting runners on first and second with one out, but Austin Hedges grounded into a double play, neutralizing the threat.

Skubal encountered another challenge in the sixth inning.

Brayan Rocchio hit a double to left, followed by Steven Kwan, who placed a well-placed hit on the left side of the infield.

Yet Greene reacted quickly, preventing Rocchio from advancing further than third base. With runners in scoring positions and David Fry at the plate, followed by Jose Ramirez, the stakes were high.

After a visit from pitching coach Chris Fetter, Skubal managed to induce Fry into a groundout. The rookies, Trey Sweeney and Colt Keith, executed a perfect double play to end the inning.

As Skubal returned to the mound, he waved to the crowd, as if challenging them: bring it on; cheer even louder!

Skubal’s competitive spirit shone through as he walked back to the dugout, beaming and high-fiving Jake Rogers while soaking in the crowd’s energy.

Missed opportunities for the Tigers

the Tigers just need a single run for a win.

The Tigers had a golden opportunity in the fourth inning when Wenceel Perez doubled to left and advanced to third on a fly ball from Spencer Torkelson. With Parker Meadows at the plate and one out, hopes were high. But Meadows struck out on a slider, and Boyd followed suit, striking out Jake Rogers.

Perez hit a line drive, but Stephen Kwan executed a diving catch in left field—did he catch it or not?

Even Cleveland’s radio commentators thought it was a hit, but after reviewing the play, the umpires ruled it a catch.

“The call stands as is,” the umpire declared.

A clash of stars

Though baseball is fundamentally a team sport, the individual matchups can be compelling.

Such was the case when Skubal faced off against Jose Ramirez.

Ramirez dominated various offensive categories for the Guardians: hits, doubles, homers, RBIs, and OPS.

It was crucial for the Tigers to keep him in check.

In the first inning, Skubal threw five consecutive fastballs, then switched it up with two changeups to strike out Ramirez.

In the fourth inning, he threw four straight changeups, resulting in another strikeout.

Then, in the seventh inning, Skubal mixed his pitches again, using changeup and fastball sequences to induce a groundout from Ramirez.