Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers to Play Most Meaningful Series of the Season

The Detroit Tigers visit the Cleveland Indians this weekend for a three-game series that will play a huge role in shaping the American League playoff picture.

This is what it’s all about. After a journey that began seven months ago in Goodyear, Arizona, the Cleveland Indians are set to play the most meaningful games the franchise has seen in nearly a decade. The Tribe currently holds a six-game lead in the American League’s Central Division, and the second place Detroit Tigers are visiting Progressive Field this weekend for a three-game series with major playoff implications.

“We’ve got a good lead on [the Tigers],” said second baseman Jason Kipnis after Thursday afternoon’s loss to the Chicago White Sox. “We knew these were going to be the important games down the stretch. Hopefully we can win a series and put them away.”

Putting Detroit away is something that, until this season, was difficult to fathom for Cleveland, which posted a 19-37 record against their Motown rivals in Terry Francona’s first three seasons as manager. But this year, the Indians are 11-1 against the Tigers, outscoring them 79-36, though the two teams have not met since early July.

They will now play seven times in the next two weeks, including the penultimate series of the season in Detroit.

“This is what we work all year for,” said Rajai Davis. “Every game right now means something. We’re looking forward to going out there and playing solid defense, pitching well and have a heckuva an offensive series against Detroit.”

The Tribe is 47-25 at home this season, and 39-21 against Central Division opponents, both numbers that would appear to bode well for them this weekend. With a magic number of 11, a division title is drawing closer, and a series win over the Tigers could all but wrap things up.

Let’s take a look at what you need to know for what should be an electrifying series.

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