**Kerry Carpenter’s Clutch Hit Guides Tigers to ALDS Victory Over Guardians**

CLEVELAND (AP) - Kerry Carpenter proved to be the hero once again for the Detroit Tigers. In Game 5 of the American League Division Series, Carpenter, hampered by a hamstring injury, delivered a crucial pinch-hit RBI single in the fifth inning, helping to secure a 1-0 lead against the Cleveland Guardians.

This wasn’t Carpenter's first big moment of the series. In Game 2, he had already made a significant impact by hitting a three-run homer off Cleveland’s All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase. On Saturday, Carpenter showcased his clutch skills once more by driving a pitch from rookie Andrew Walters into right-center field, allowing Trey Sweeney, who had opened the inning with a walk, to score.

As he made his way to first base, Carpenter was visibly limping much like Kirk Gibson famously did during his iconic walk-off homer in the 1988 World Series. Despite the injury sustained while running bases in Game 4 on Thursday, Carpenter was determined to make an impact in the decisive game.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch noted that Carpenter, feeling the adrenaline of a crucial Game 5, had taken batting practice the day before and seemed in better spirits. "He's sore and dealing with discomfort," Hinch commented before the game, "but that adrenaline for Game 5 in the ALDS is a good counter to not feeling at your best."

Initially brought in as a pinch-hitter in Game 2’s eighth inning, Carpenter later hit a three-run homer in the ninth off Clase, leading the Tigers to a 3-0 win and evening the series. His presence has been crucial for the Tigers, as he managed to hit 18 homers this season despite limited playing time due to a lower back stress fracture that sidelined him for nearly three months.

Facing Cleveland's left-handed starter Matthew Boyd in Game 5, Carpenter, a left-handed batter, was not expected to start. Nonetheless, his timely contributions proved once again essential for Detroit.