CLEVELAND – The anticipated first game of a doubleheader featuring the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Guardians faced a setback due to rain at Progressive Field on Friday, September 4. Originally slated to commence at 2:15 p.m. ET, the game’s start time was pushed back as inclement weather swept through the area.
Forecasts indicate that additional rain could continue into the evening, which raises concerns about the scheduled second game of the doubleheader, set to begin at 7:15 p.m. However, there is a glimmer of hope as meteorologists predict a break in the rain around midday, which could allow for at least one game to be played on Friday.
On the mound for the Tigers in the first game is right-handed pitcher Keider Montero, who holds a record of 9-8 with a 3.24 ERA. He is set to face off against Guardians’ lefty Logan Allen, who is making his season debut with a 3.77 ERA. Montero’s unique pitching profile this season has made him a standout; he is the only pitcher in Major League Baseball to have both 22 starts and six relief appearances this year. This achievement places him in rare company, as only two other pitchers in the past 40 years have accomplished a similar feat while exclusively wearing a Tigers uniform.
The Tigers enter this matchup struggling, having lost 14 of their last 18 games since August 14. This slump has been particularly damaging, as it follows a brief moment of optimism when they secured a victory against the Guardians in Detroit, which temporarily placed them in sole possession of the third wild card spot in the American League. Currently, they find themselves 2.5 games behind the first-place team in the American League Central division.
Since their last encounter with the Guardians, the Tigers have endured a six-series losing streak, marking their longest winless stretch since an eight-series drought earlier in the season from May 4 to May 31. This ongoing struggle has put significant pressure on the team as they look to turn their fortunes around.
As the day progresses, fans and players alike will be watching the weather closely, hoping for a window of opportunity to witness at least one game of this crucial doubleheader. The outcome of these games could have significant implications for the Tigers as they strive to regain their footing in the playoff race.
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