CLEVELAND — Javier Báez hit a three-run home run in the second inning and six pitchers combined on four hits to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 3-0 victory over the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians on Thursday.
Báez scored for the first time since April 14, hitting a 409-foot shot into the left-field stands in his second game at the bottom of the batting order. It was his second home run in 217 hits this season and raised his average to .180.
“The numbers aren’t there – I’m ranked ninth for a reason – and I need to work to get back to where the team needs me to be,” said Báez, who has 183 career appearances throughout his career. between men. “When I hit, it was weird, like it was the first home run of my career. But it was great.”
The Guardians, who have the best home record in the AL at 33-15, lost for the eighth time in 12 games and had their Central lead cut to 4 1/2 games over Minnesota. They were eliminated for the fourth time in a span of 10 games.
“I wouldn’t call it fear, I’d just say we’ve lost more games than we’ve won the last few weeks,” Cleveland coach Stephen Vogt said. “I like our bats. I like where we are. Everyone needs to relax and be themselves.”
Easton Lucas (1-0) earned his first major league win with two perfect innings of relief, while Shelby Miller earned his second save. Tyler Holton, Alex Faedo, Jason Foley and Andrew Chafin also pitched in a bullpen day.
“Mission accomplished,” Miller said. “We all came in knowing we were needed and everyone went out and did the work.”
Bligh Madris and Jake Rogers scored on Báez’s blast past Guardians starter Gavin Williams (0-3). The right-hander threw a career-high 105 pitches in six innings and struck out a season-high nine, but lost all three of his home starts.
Holton started for the second time in the series and went two innings, two days after pitching 1 2/3 scoreless. Lucas followed him to the mountain.
“The first win is incredible,” said Lucas, smiling. “I took a (beer) bath in the locker room and everything. It was fun.”
The Guardians’ Steven Kwan went 0-for-4, dropping his average to .341 and knocking him out of the major league batting lead. Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. is now first at .344.
Guardians prospect Travis Bazzana — the top overall pick in the MLB amateur draft — will make his professional debut Friday for Single-A Lake County. The Australian second baseman signed his first professional contract on July 19.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Guardians: RHP Tanner Bibee (bilateral leg cramps) will make his next start Monday at Detroit as scheduled. The team’s ace felt cramps during warm-ups in the sixth inning on Wednesday, forcing him to leave the game against the Tigers.
NEXT
Tigers: RHP Keider Montero (1-3, 5.97 ERA) starts against Twins RHP Pablo López (8-7, 4.86 ERA) in the first game of a three-game series on Friday at Comerica Park .
Guardians: RHP Ben Lively (8-6, 3.57 ERA) faces Phillies LHP Cristopher Sánchez (7-5, 2.97 ERA) in Friday’s opener of a three-game homestand at Citizens Bank Park.
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