Josh Naylor hit a single in the eighth inning with two outs, bringing home his younger brother Bo Naylor for the go-ahead run. This helped the Cleveland Guardians narrowly defeat the Detroit Tigers 2-1 on Wednesday night.
Bo Naylor started the inning with a walk against Beau Brieske, then stole second base. After José Ramírez received an intentional walk, Josh Naylor hit a line drive up the middle that was deflected by second baseman Colt Keith into center field.
Bo Naylor commented on Josh’s competitiveness, noting his readiness to step up and make a significant play when needed.
In the eighth inning, Hunter Gaddis struck out all three batters he faced, and Emmanuel Clase secured his AL-leading 31st save by pitching a scoreless ninth inning to complete a combined two-hitter. Scott Barlow and Tim Herrin also contributed in relief after Tanner Bibee left the game due to leg cramps.
Bibee, who pitched five innings, gave up a solo home run to Matt Vierling in the first inning before experiencing cramps that forced him out of the game.
Despite the bullpen’s strong performance, Bibee lamented his recurring cramping issue but praised his team’s ability to step up and secure the win.
Meanwhile, Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, who may be traded before the upcoming deadline, pitched six innings, allowing one unearned run and striking out six batters. He has been in excellent form throughout July, boasting a 1.02 ERA in three starts this month.
Cleveland tied the game in the fifth inning on Steven Kwan’s RBI single, with Bo Naylor scoring after reaching base on a single and advancing to second on a passed ball by Carson Kelly.
