Tanner Bibee Shines Again as Guardians Edge Past Tigers 3-2

CLEVELAND (AP) — Tanner Bibee delivered an impressive performance with eight strikeouts, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. This win marked Bibee's second consecutive triumph, helping the Guardians break a four-game losing streak.

Despite allowing only two hits throughout seven-plus innings, Bibee gave up home runs to Detroit's James Outman and Spencer Torkelson. The right-handed pitcher (2-7) was dominant, retiring 14 of the 15 batters he faced between the two home runs.

On the offensive side, both Patrick Bailey and Steven Kwan contributed significantly, each recording two hits and driving in a run. Cade Smith closed out the game, retiring the Tigers in order during the ninth inning to secure his league-leading 22nd save.

Tigers starter Jack Flaherty (1-8) exited after three innings due to discomfort in his left leg. He allowed two runs on three hits, alongside one walk and one strikeout, marking his second-shortest outing of the season.

In the second inning, Rhys Hoskins got things rolling for Cleveland with a double to left field, later scoring from Bailey's base hit to left-center. Bailey himself crossed the plate after Brayan Rocchio's triple to right, putting the Guardians ahead. Outman, who was recently claimed off waivers from Minnesota, hit a home run in the third inning, marking his first of the season. The Guardians extended their lead to 3-1 in the sixth with Kwan's single, which scored Angel Martínez.

Bibee departed in the eighth inning after Torkelson's homer brought the Tigers within one run. Looking ahead, Detroit is set to activate left-handed pitcher Tarik Skubal (3-2, 2.70 ERA) before Saturday’s matchup. Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left elbow. Meanwhile, Cleveland will send left-hander Joey Cantillo (4-3, 4.57 ERA) to the mound.