Baseball is a game of precision, strategy, and timing, but sometimes human error takes center stage. The Guardians and Tigers delivered a tense Wild Card showdown, with Gavin Williams on the mound showcasing elite pitching. Fans were treated to a display of talent that should have dominated the headlines, yet the uneven calls by the umpires reminded everyone that even in 2025, perfection remains stubbornly human.
Gavin Williams and Tarik Skubal showcased dominant pitching in Game 1, thrilling fans with precise control. Williams recorded eight strikeouts while Skubal dazzled with fourteen strikeouts, keeping the game intensely competitive throughout. Both pitchers executed their strategies beautifully, forcing hitters to chase pitches and demonstrating postseason-caliber skill. Every inning highlighted their command, making fans feel every strike and swing as if they were on the field.
Despite the brilliance on the mound, umpiring inconsistencies became glaring, affecting the flow and rhythm of the game. The home plate umpire, Shane Livensparger, has had a strong season, with an average accuracy of 94.93 percent, showing generally solid judgment. Yet today, questionable balls, strikes, and a blown tag at home plate undermined that reliability, frustrating players and fans alike. It was clear that human error can overshadow even elite pitching performances, leaving viewers tense and emotional.
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This game perfectly illustrates why MLB needs Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) technology, especially in critical postseason moments. Fans witnessed both pitchers excel, yet inconsistent calls sparked debates and disrupted momentum for the teams involved. Even an umpire with impressive season stats can struggle under playoff pressure, proving that technology could reduce controversy. ABS would ensure fairness and let fans truly focus on the skill and drama on the field.
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The Guardians vs Tigers matchup proved that in 2025, fans still need technology to enforce fairness. If MLB wants drama to stay on the field, ABS is no longer optional.
The Guardians and Tigers game showed why MLB needs ABS, as fans state their demand
“Who allowed Angel Hernandez to come out of retirement for the playoffs?” fans joked online. Hernandez earned a reputation for very questionable calls that left players and fans exasperated. Watching this umpire, it’s hard not to see history repeating itself in similar ways. The wrong tag call at home plate reminded everyone how human error still dominates the game. Baseball fans now wonder if MLB secretly enjoys keeping these debates alive each postseason.
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“Bro, how did this home plate ump get this assignment? Horrible zone for both teams, and can’t even see that call,” fans lamented online. Even routine strike and ball calls seemed inconsistent, leaving pitchers and hitters frustrated throughout the game. It’s surprising MLB would assign such an important postseason game to someone struggling with judgment. The wrong tag at home only amplified doubts about the umpire’s overall accuracy and positioning. Fans now question whether human error is still too big a factor in playoff baseball.
“The ump has been giving the Tigers calls all game. He got caught trying to do it here,” one fan wrote, frustrated. The comment suggests fans perceived bias, thinking the umpire favored Detroit throughout the matchup. Inconsistent strike and ball calls only added fuel to suspicions of partiality during key innings. The blown tag at home plate seemed to confirm what viewers had feared all along. Even casual fans now debate whether human judgment can fairly influence such high-stakes postseason games.
“Fire the guy behind the plate the second this game ends. He has zero concept of what the strike zone is,” one fan wrote online. Throughout the game, strike and ball calls seemed inconsistent, frustrating both pitchers and hitters alike. The blown tag at home only highlighted the umpire’s struggle to manage fundamental plays accurately. Fans now question how such an assignment was given for a high-stakes playoff matchup. Even casual viewers are debating whether human error should still influence critical postseason outcomes.
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“Fire all umpires,” one fan exclaimed, expressing frustration over inconsistent strike, ball, and tag calls. This has been a recurring theme all season, with questionable calls frustrating players and viewers alike. Home plate mistakes, like the blown tag, only magnify the long-standing concerns about umpiring quality. Fans feel critical postseason games deserve sharper judgment, yet human error continues to dominate the sport. Even casual observers now wonder if MLB needs stricter oversight or technological assistance for fairness.
The Guardians vs Tigers game proves that even elite MLB talent can be overshadowed by human error. Fans watching Angel Hernandez–era umpiring wonder if technology will finally rescue baseball from itself entirely. If MLB wants postseason drama decided on skill, it’s clear ABS cannot remain optional anymore.