**Tigers and Guardians Set for Decisive Game 5, ALCS Birth on the Line**

The stage is set for a highly anticipated confrontation in Major League Baseball's divisional series, with the Detroit Tigers squaring off against the Cleveland Guardians in a do-or-die Game 5. Originally slated for an evening slot, the game has been rescheduled to the afternoon due to forecasted inclement weather in Cleveland. The winner will move on to face the formidable New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), a best-of-seven matchup that determines the AL's representative in the World Series.

The Tigers' remarkable run has surprised many, including their own front office. Detroit appeared to wave the white flag at the trade deadline, dealing away key players such as starter Jack Flaherty, outfielder Mark Canha, catcher Carson Kelly, and reliever Andrew Chafin. Despite this, an impressive second-half surge fueled by savvy pitching and improved defense has placed them just one win away from competing for the pennant.

One significant advantage for the Tigers is left-hander Tarik Skubal, who is expected to win the AL Cy Young Award. In his first outing of the series, Skubal was dominant, pitching seven shutout innings and striking out eight of the 23 batters he faced. His performance in Game 2 was quintessential, nearly single-handedly securing the win. The question for Game 5 is whether Skubal can replicate his earlier mastery and keep Detroit's miracle run alive.

Conversely, the Guardians face different circumstances, with their focus on a collective pitching effort. Manager Stephen Vogt, in his inaugural year, embodies Earl Weaver’s philosophy that momentum depends on the next game's pitcher—except Vogt takes it a step further, often relying on the next inning's pitcher. Starting on the mound for Cleveland will be veteran lefty Matthew Boyd, though his recent performances suggest he won't pitch deep into the game. Boyd has not logged a five-inning outing in over five weeks, and Vogt has shown a pattern of using a multitude of pitchers, deploying five or more in each postseason contest thus far.

Vogt's bullpen strategy will likely be pivotal. His frequent pitching changes have been a hallmark of this series, using six to seven pitchers in Games 2 and 3. With everything on the line, expect another bullpen-heavy approach as Cleveland aims to stifle Detroit's hitters and clinch a spot in the ALCS.

As Game 5 approaches, both teams carry unique strengths and strategies into this crucial matchup. The Tigers hope to ride Tarik Skubal's arm to victory once more, while the Guardians rely on their bullpen depth to carry them through. The baseball world watches in anticipation, knowing that the outcome will set the stage for a thrilling showdown with the Yankees in the ALCS.