Guardians-Tigers ALDS Game 5 moved in advance of inclement weather

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Game 5 of the ALDS between the Tigers and the Guardians has been moved up to avoid inclement weather

On Saturday the Cleveland Guardians and the Detroit Tigers are set to square off in a decisive Game 5 of their ALDS series, with a spot in the ALCS against the New York Yankees on the line.

The game was scheduled to for a first pitch at 8:08 p.m. Eastern Time. However, with weather forecasts calling for inclement weather in the Cleveland area on Saturday night, Major League Baseball is pushing up the first pitch for the decisive fifth game to 1:08 Eastern Time.

The Guardians forced the decisive fifth game with a victory in Game 4 on Thursday. Pinch-hitter David Fry blasted a two-run home run in the sixth inning to enable the AL Central champions to stave off elimination.

The Tigers have already announced that left-hander Tarik Skubal will get the call in Game 5. Skubal is 1-0 in the postseason with a pair of starts, including a win against the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round. Skubal went six scoreless innings in that start. Skubal went seven scoreless innings in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Guardians, but left with a no decision.

Cleveland has yet to officially name a starter for Game 5, but they are expected to turn to Matthew Boyd.

Fans in Ohio may appreciate the switch, as they can now avoid channel surfing between the Guardians game, and No. 2 Ohio State’s big matchup against No. 3 Oregon at Autzen Stadium. That game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern.