Tigers Dominate Guardians 7-2 with Late-Inning Power
In a commanding display, the Detroit Tigers triumphed over the Cleveland Guardians 7-2 on Sunday, fueled by a remarkable six-run 10th inning featuring home runs from Trey Sweeney and Riley Greene. This victory marked the continuation of the Guardians' dismal streak, now reaching ten consecutive losses.
Javier Báez contributed significantly with two hits, while Tarik Skubal showcased his prowess on the mound, striking out ten batters. The Tigers, currently leading the American League, completed a three-game series sweep against Cleveland.
As the game neared its conclusion, the Guardians found themselves just one strike away from breaking their losing streak. However, closer Emmanuel Clase's wild pitch allowed pinch-runner Zach McKinstry to cross home plate, tying the game with two outs in the ninth inning.
This double-digit losing streak is now the 11th in the franchise's history and the first since a similar stretch in 2012. The record for the team stands at 12 losses in a row, set back in 1931.
Steven Kwan of Cleveland had a notable performance, recording three hits, including an RBI double in the eighth inning that briefly ignited hope for the Guardians.
In the decisive 10th inning, Báez led off with a single, setting the stage for Sweeney's three-run homer down the left-field line off Cade Smith (2-3), pushing the Tigers ahead 4-1.
Skubal, the reigning AL Cy Young winner and a likely candidate for next week's All-Star Game, delivered an impressive performance, allowing only three hits over seven innings. This outing marked his sixth game this season with double-digit strikeouts and the 13th of his career.
Chase Lee (4-0) added to the Tigers' success by pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings.
On the other side, Cleveland's Gavin Williams had a solid outing as well, allowing just one hit in six innings while striking out eight batters.
The Tigers extended their lead further in the 10th with Matt Vierling's RBI double followed by Greene's two-run homer, marking his 22nd of the season. Greene joins an elite group as the 15th player in Detroit history to hit at least 22 homers before the All-Star break, a feat last accomplished by J.D. Martinez in 2015 when he hit 25.
Looking ahead, the Tigers have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Monday's series opener against Tampa Bay. Meanwhile, the Guardians are set to embark on a six-game road trip starting in Houston on Monday, with RHP Tanner Bibee (4-9, 4.20 ERA) slated to face Astros RHP Hunter Brown (9-3, 1.82).
