Behind a five-run first inning, the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Detroit Tigers 7-0 in Game 1 of the 2024 American League Division Series at

Six days off, one of them unscheduled because of a rainout on the last day of the regular season, did not blunt the edge the Guardians have sharpened in this surprising season. They started strong and fast on a sunny Saturday afternoon to beat the wild card Tigers,

Cleveland’s brutish bullpen lived up to its billing. After dominating for months, the Guardians’ relievers opened October with another hitless, strike-throwing, fear-inducing, intimidating performance in a 7-0 win over the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the AL Division Series.