Guardians Edge Tigers 3-2 in Extra Innings After Late-Game Heroics
DETROIT — The Cleveland Guardians snapped their losing streak in dramatic fashion Wednesday night, defeating the Detroit Tigers 3-2 in 10 innings thanks to clutch hits from Angel Martínez and José Ramírez.
The game remained tight throughout, with both teams exchanging blows late. Detroit struck first in the seventh inning when Matt Vierling’s sacrifice fly brought home Kevin McGonigle for a 1-0 lead. But Cleveland answered in the ninth, tying the game when Daniel Schneemann scored on Patrick Bailey’s groundout.
The Tigers had a golden opportunity to win in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with no outs. However, Cleveland’s bullpen delivered under pressure, as Erik Sabrowski and Colin Holderman (2-0) combined for three straight strikeouts to force extra innings.
In the 10th, Martínez broke the deadlock with a leadoff triple off Tyler Holton (0-4), driving in automatic runner Brayan Rocchio. Ramírez followed with an RBI double to extend the lead to 3-1.
Detroit fought back in the bottom half, cutting the deficit to 3-2 when Wenceel Pérez scored on Zach McKinstry’s single. But Guardians closer Cade Smith shut the door, retiring the next three batters to secure his 16th save.
Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee turned in a strong performance, allowing just four hits and striking out five over eight innings. Meanwhile, Detroit’s Drew Anderson, making his first MLB start since 2021, impressed with seven strikeouts in 4⅔ innings.
The loss extended Detroit’s skid to five straight games, with the Tigers now dropping 13 of their last 15.
What’s Next?
The series concludes Thursday afternoon with Guardians left-hander Joey Cantillo (3-1, 3.40 ERA) facing Tigers righty Casey Mize (2-2, 2.43 ERA).
— Reported by Nexio News
