DETROIT (Interstat) — The Detroit Tigers, clinging to a narrow lead in the American League playoff chase, will look to avoid a series sweep and halt the surging Cleveland Guardians when the AL Central rivals conclude their three-game set Thursday afternoon at Comerica Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT.

The Tigers (85-67) saw their division lead shrink after dropping the first two games of the series, including a 4-0 shutout on Wednesday. They now sit just 3 1/2 games ahead of the third-place Guardians (80-71) in the crowded wild-card standings. Cleveland has won 10 of its last 14 games, capitalizing on a recent Detroit skid that has seen the Tigers lose six of their last 10.

Despite the recent results, statistical models are split on the outcome. Interstat’s ELO system gives the Tigers a 54% probability to win, and Detroit has been installed as a -1.5 run favorite by oddsmakers. However, the same outlet’s game simulator projects a high-scoring 8-4 victory for the Guardians. The over/under for total runs is set at 7.

The Tigers will hope to replicate their success from earlier in the season when they took three straight from Cleveland in a July 4 weekend series. Overall, the season series is tightly contested, with Cleveland holding a slim 6-5 edge in the 11 meetings so far in 2025.

Following the game, both teams continue their final push for the postseason. The Tigers will remain at home to host the Atlanta Braves for a three-game weekend series. The Guardians travel to Minneapolis to open a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Friday. The two Central foes are scheduled to meet again for three games next week in Cleveland.