Tanner Bibee, Guardians shut out MLB-leading Tigers

Tanner Bibee tossed seven impressive innings to help lead the Cleveland Guardians to a 7-0 win over the host Detroit Tigers on Thursday in the opener of a four-game series.

Bibee (4-4) struck out a season-high eight, allowed just three hits and issued one walk while throwing 96 pitches.

Angel Martinez had a solo home run and a two-run double and Jose Ramirez had two hits and an RBI for Cleveland, which won its second straight following a five-game skid.

Detroit starter Jack Flaherty (2-6) allowed three runs on three hits, walked three and struck out eight, including the 1,000th of his career. Over 6 2/3 innings, he threw 108 pitches.

With a 3-0 lead, Cleveland pulled Bibee in favor of Tim Herrin in the eighth, and the Tigers started a rally. Detroit loaded the bases on a walk, an infield single and a fly ball that dropped after Lane Thomas lost the ball in the lights.

Cade Smith came on for Herrin and put out the fire, striking out Akil Badoo, Zach McKinstry and Riley Greene.

In the ninth, Cleveland tacked on four runs to make it 7-0, with a two-run double to left by Martinez serving as the signature blow.

Matt Festa pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to help Cleveland complete a five-hit shutout.

Javy Baez had two hits for Detroit, which has the best record in the majors.

After three scoreless innings, the Guardians broke through with two runs in the fourth. Following a one-out single by Ramirez and a walk to Manzardo, Carlos Santana laced a two-run double to the gap in right-center to make it 2-0.

In the fifth, Martinez hit a solo home run to right field to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.