CLEVELAND -- In an electrifying start to the AL Division Series, Lane Thomas made history with a three-run homer during a jaw-dropping five-run first inning, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a dominant 7-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday.

Thomas, who recorded his first career postseason hit with the homer, sent the ball soaring into the left-field bleachers, igniting a raucous crowd of 33,548 at Progressive Field. This powerful swing helped cool down the Tigers, who had entered the playoffs on the back of a remarkable second-half performance, and even swept the AL West champion Houston Astros in the wild-card round.

Guards pitcher Tanner Bibee started strong, going 4 1/3 innings before yielding to a bullpen renowned for its effectiveness. Cleveland’s relievers displayed their prowess by combining for 4 2/3 hitless innings, completing the largest postseason shutout in the team's history.

"It started with the guys in front of me," Thomas reflected on his pivotal moment. The Guardians' offensive explosion didn’t let up, as David Fry added a two-run double in the sixth inning, taking advantage of the Tigers' shaky defense and offensive struggles.

The Tigers faced a daunting challenge, striking out 13 times and failing to advance any runners past first base in the final four innings of the game. Throughout the match, the Cleveland bullpen lived up to its reputation: rookie Cade Smith struck out all four batters he faced, and top closer Emmanuel Clase, boasting a league-leading 47 saves, sealed the deal in the ninth.

Cleveland's victory marks a historic moment: they became the first team in AL postseason history to score five runs before recording an out in the opening inning. Manager Stephen Vogt's squad demonstrated resilience and skill, showcasing that their week-long break after clinching a bye did not affect their performance.

"It's incredible to come out and perform like that, especially over the grueling 162-game season. It really shows the depth and talent we have in the bullpen," Thomas said.

As the teams prepare for Game 2 on Monday, the Tigers will hope for a turnaround with Tarik Skubal set to take the mound, a contender for the AL Cy Young Award. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch has praised Skubal's potential, emphasizing that the young pitcher is capable of adjusting under pressure.

In a historic twist, this match marked the 2,327th meeting between the two franchises, and it was their first-ever postseason showdown. The Guardians took full advantage of the opportunity, leaving the Tigers reeling and searching for answers ahead of the next game.

With this impressive victory, the Guardians not only sent a message to the Tigers but also to the entire league: they mean business this October. Will they continue this momentum or will Detroit strike back? Fans will not want to miss the action in Game 2!