CLEVELAND – Kerry Carpenter knocked down baseball’s preeminent finisher with one swing.

Carpenter hit a three-run home run with two outs and two strikes in the ninth inning against Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase, sending the Detroit Tigers to a dramatic 3-0 victory over the Guardians in Game 2 on Monday night, clinching the AL Division Series were able to equalize one game each.

After Jake Rogers and Trey Sweeney struck out the normally unbeatable Clase, Carpenter hit a right-handed 2-2 pitch 423 feet into the right field seats.

It was another one of those October moments that can define a player, and the fact that he did it against Clase wasn’t lost on Carpenter.

“It’s special because I don’t know how many runs or home runs he’s given up this year,” Carpenter said. “It’s pretty fun to be a part of it and it’s special to do it with him because he’s literally the best closer in the game.”

Carpenter became the first player to hit a two-out, two-strike home run in the ninth inning since Kirk Gibson memorably hit Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.

He became the third Detroit player to hit a home run in the ninth inning or later in the playoffs, joining Magglio Ordóñez (2006) and Hall of Famer Al Kaline (1972).

As Carpenter rounded the bases, his helmet flew off between first and second base. When he reached third, he clapped coach Joey Cora’s hands before sitting at the plate and raising both arms above his head in celebration.

From then on, it was one hug and high-five after another in the rocking Detroit dugout.

It was just the third home run allowed by Clase this season, who led the AL with 47 saves. The right-hander gave up just five earned runs in 74 games all season.

“We’re talking about one of the greatest seasons of all time,” Guardians catcher Austin Hedges said. “Guys can’t even get on base against him.”

But after Rogers and Sweeney did their part, Carpenter, known as “Kerry Bonds” to his teammates, was given a pitch he could drive and not miss.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch was more than happy to have Carpenter next in line for Detroit.

“Of course, Kerry, we want him to hit as often as possible in these moments,” said Hinch, who pinch-hit Carpenter in the eighth. “He can change the scoreboard. He can change the game. He does it again and again.”

Carpenter was one of several Tigers players sidelined by injury this season, missing from May 26 through Aug. 13 with a lumbar spine stress fracture. He finished 87 games with 18 home runs.

The Guardians and Tigers traded zeroes as the pitchers dominated, Detroit ace Tarik Skubal for seven innings and Cleveland’s Matthew Boyd for 4 2/3, before manager Stephen Vogt turned the game over to his vaunted bullpen – led by Clase.

Carpenter sensed that one of the teams would break the deadlock.

As his ball sailed toward the stands at Progressive Field, Carpenter went from pinch-hitter to postseason star.

“At some point someone had to make a big hit, either for us or for them, and it happened to be us,” he said. “I don’t know if I can describe it, but yeah, I knew it was over and it was just an incredible feeling to move forward for this team.”