Cleveland Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez, right, throws the ball to first base after forcing out Detroit Tigers' Colt Keith (33) at second base on a double play ball hit by Spencer Torkelson in the fourth inning during Game 1 of baseball's AL Division Series, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Cleveland. Credit: AP/David Dermer

A vicious cut from Thomas on a first-pitch slider from Olson sent the ball soaring toward the left-field bleachers, eventually landing a projected 394 feet from home plate. Seemingly in a blink, it was 5-0 Guardians. Damage most certainly done.

The playoffs are here and the No. 2-seeded Guardians were ready for them Saturday. First-year manager Stephen Vogt and the Guardians opened up with a 7-0 win over the No. 6 Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the American League Division Series Saturday afternoon at Progressive Field.