Guardians halt losing streak with Bibee’s seven-inning performance against Tigers
Tanner Bibee improves to 2-7 after allowing two home runs but striking out eight in the 3-2 victory.
The Cleveland Guardians ended a four-game losing streak on Friday night, securing a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers thanks to a strong pitching performance from Tanner Bibee. Bibee, who had previously gone winless in his first 13 starts of the season with a 0-7 record, improved to 2-7 after pitching seven-plus innings with eight strikeouts.
Bibee’s outing was marked by efficiency despite giving up two home runs. He allowed only two hits in total, with James Outman leading off the third inning and Spencer Torkelson hitting in the eighth. Between the two home runs, Bibee retired 14 of the 15 batters he faced. Cleveland’s offence was supported by Patrick Bailey and Steven Kwan, who each recorded two hits and an RBI. Bailey also contributed to Cleveland’s early lead with a base hit that scored Rhys Hoskins, while Kwan added a hit that scored Angel Martínez.
Detroit’s starting pitcher Jack Flaherty exited the game after just three innings due to left leg discomfort. Flaherty, who holds a 1-8 record, allowed two runs on three hits, one walk, and one strikeout in what was his second-shortest outing of the season. The Tigers’ only other significant offensive threat came from Outman, who was recently claimed on waivers from the Minnesota Twins. Outman, who had batted .156 in 49 games for Minnesota, hit his first home run of the season off Bibee.
Cleveland’s bullpen maintained the lead, with Cade Smith retiring the Tigers in order in the ninth inning to record his 22nd save of the season, a major league high. The Guardians held a 3-1 lead entering the sixth inning before Detroit scored one run on Kwan’s hit, but Smith secured the final outs to preserve the two-run victory.
Looking ahead, Detroit is expected to activate left-hander Tarik Skubal before Saturday’s game. Skubal, the two-time reigning American League Cy Young winner, underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery last month to remove loose bodies from his left elbow. For Cleveland, left-hander Joey Cantillo, who holds a 4-3 record with a 4.57 ERA, is scheduled to start on Saturday.
