CLEVELAND -- The Detroit Tigers needed a big start from Tarik Skubal. What they got was downright historic.

Skubal struck out 14 batters and pitched into the eighth inning to lead the Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series on Tuesday afternoon at Progressive Field.

The Tigers are now one win away from eliminating the Guardians, who rallied from a 15.5-game deficit to overtake Detroit in the AL Central with an incredible September.

R EWIND: Inning-by-inning recap of Game 1

The Tigers took the lead in the first inning when Kerry Carpenter singled with two outs, then hustled to second when right fielder Jonathan Rodriguez mishandled the ball. Spencer Torkelson followed with a soft single over shortstop to put Detroit ahea

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