**Detroit Tigers Edge Closer to Divisional Round with Game 1 Win Over Houston Astros**

In a masterful display, Tarik Skubal met and exceeded expectations as he pitched six scoreless innings, leading the Detroit Tigers to a crucial victory in Game 1 of the Best of 3 Wild Card series against the Houston Astros. Skubal, who dominated the American League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts throughout 2024, firmly established why he is a near-certain Cy Young winner this season. The Tigers weathered a tense 9th inning where the Astros loaded the bases, but they managed to pull through to claim the win. With this triumph, Detroit is now just one game away from advancing to the Divisional Round, putting Houston’s impressive streak of seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series (ALCS) at serious risk.

The two teams are set to face off again on Wednesday afternoon in a high-stakes Game 2. Taking the mound for Houston will be Hunter Brown, who holds a season record of 11-9 with a 3.49 ERA. Brown has been particularly effective against Detroit this season, allowing just one earned run across 12 innings in two previous starts. Opposing him for Detroit will be Tyler Holton, who boasts a solid 7-2 record with a 2.19 ERA. Holton has been a steady performer, especially after the All-Star Break, where he managed a 0.83 ERA over 29 appearances, eight of which were starts.

For those looking to catch the game, it will be broadcast live from Houston at 2:32 PM ET on October 2, 2024. With the stakes at their highest, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this showdown. NBC Sports has its top betting trends favoring Houston, recommending plays on the Astros for both the moneyline and run line, while also predicting a high-scoring game with the total expected to go over 7.5 runs.

Detroit’s last appearance in the playoffs was in 2014, but they come with a storied past, having secured World Series titles in 1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984. On the other hand, Houston has been a dominant force in recent years, winning the AL West division seven out of the last eight seasons and capturing World Series titles in 2017 and 2022, while also reaching the ALCS for seven consecutive seasons.

As the two teams gear up for the pivotal Game 2, all eyes will be on the pitching duel and whether Detroit can end Houston’s nearly decade-long dynasty in the ALCS. The excitement is palpable, with both fan bases eagerly awaiting the outcome that will decide who advances in this electrifying playoff series.