Guardians Dominate Tigers 7-0 in ALDS Rematch

Carlos Santana's two-run double in the fourth inning set the tone for the Cleveland Guardians, who triumphed over the Detroit Tigers 7-0 on Thursday night. Angel Martínez added a solo home run in the fifth, while Tanner Bibee showcased his pitching prowess with seven scoreless innings.

This matchup marked the first encounter between the two teams since the Guardians clinched their AL Division Series last October. The Tigers, leading the American League, had recently won seven of their last nine games, contrasting sharply with Cleveland's struggles, having lost seven of their previous ten.

Bibee (4-4) was dominant on the mound, surrendering only three hits and one walk while striking out eight batters. Jack Flaherty (2-6) faced challenges, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks over 6 2/3 innings, despite recording his 1,000th career strikeout in the first inning.

After Kyle Manzardo walked in the fourth, Santana's double to center field propelled the Guardians to a 2-0 lead. Tim Herrin took over for Bibee in the eighth but found himself in a jam with the bases loaded and no outs. Trey Sweeney initiated the inning with a walk, followed by Javier Baez's infield single and Justyn-Henry Malloy's hit to center, which Lane Thomas misplayed due to the lights.

However, Cade Smith entered and struck out the next three batters, escaping the inning unscathed. Cleveland extended their lead with a four-run ninth inning, aided by a fielding error from third baseman Zach McKinstry that allowed Santana to score after he walked to start the frame.

Flaherty began strong but faltered when José Ramírez singled with one out in the fourth, breaking the scoreless tie and igniting Cleveland's offense. Bibee's eight strikeouts marked a significant improvement, surpassing his previous season high by three.

Looking ahead, Detroit's RHP Jackson Jobe (4-0, 4.12 ERA) and Cleveland's RHP Slade Cecconi (0-1, 5.40) are slated to pitch in Friday night's game.