CLEVELAND, Ohio – The season is on the line for the Cleveland Guardians as they host the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card today – Wednesday, Oct. 1 – at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. This game is available to watch on multiple streaming services for free.
How do I watch Guardians vs. Tigers AL Wild Card for free?
The game will broadcast live on ESPN with the first pitch at 1:08 p.m. Eastern. Those who have cut the cable cord can catch the game at no cost by utilizing a free trial from DIRECTV, which is also offering $35 off your first month.
FuboTV also has a free trial and $30 off your first month.
The most flexible option isSling TV, which now offers new users a Day Pass for $4.99, Weekend Pass for $9.99, Week Pass for $14.99, Monthly for $45.99 and Season Pass for $199.99 for five months and $45.99 per month thereafter.
This game is also available on the ESPN app streaming service, which now offers an Unlimited Plan for $29.99 per month (or $299.99 for entire year) and the Select Plan for $11.99 per month (or $119.99 for entire year). The ESPN app replicates its previous coverage of select games and broadcasts on ESPN Plus.
Here are five storylines to watch heading into today’s game:
1. Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal Dominated the Guardians
Detroit’s Game 1 victory was anchored by a masterful performance from defending AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal. He recorded 14 strikeouts, tying the franchise record for the most strikeouts in a single postseason game. Skubal allowed just three hits and one earned run.
2. Cleveland’s Hitting Struggles Continue
The Guardians’ offense, which entered the postseason with MLB’s worst-ever postseason batting average (.226), was held to just four hits. Their only run came in the fourth inning on an infield single by Gabriel Arias.
3. A Costly Error Hurt the Guardians
While Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams allowed no earned runs, the team’s defense faltered at a critical moment. A costly fielding error by first baseman Jhonkensy Noel allowed a run to score, contributing directly to the one-run loss.
4. Detroit’s Offense Did Just Enough to Win
The Tigers’ offense produced only two runs on five hits, but it was sufficient for the victory. Spencer Torkelson drove in a run in the first inning, and the decisive run was scored on a sacrifice bunt by Zach McKinstry in the top of the seventh.
5. An Elimination Game Looms with a Key Pitching Matchup
The Guardians now face elimination and will send Tanner Bibee (12-11, 4.24 ERA) to the mound against the Tigers’ Casey Mize (14-6, 3.87 ERA). Bibee has been strong in his last three starts, allowing just two combined earned runs.
Here’s more information on how to watch today’s Guardians vs. Tigers AL Wild Card game on TV and streaming services:
What: AL Wild Card Game 2: Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers
When: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Time: 1:08 p.m. Eastern
Where: Progressive Field | Cleveland, Ohio
Channel: ESPN
Best streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off first month), FuboTV (free trial and $30 off first month), Sling TV (half off first month and daily, weekend, weekly, monthly and season pass) and ESPN Streaming
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