Javier Báez hit a three-run homer in the second inning, and six Tigers pitchers combined to allow just four hits, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 3-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians, who are leading the AL Central, on Thursday.
Báez’s homer was his first since April 14. He hit a 409-foot shot into the left-field bleachers in his second game batting at the bottom of the lineup. It was his second home run in 217 at-bats this season, bringing his average up to .180.
“The numbers aren’t there — I’m hitting ninth for a reason — and I need to work my way back to where the team needs me to be,” Báez said. “When I hit it out, it felt 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. Their lead in the Central division was reduced to 4 1/2 games over Minnesota. They have been shut out four times in their last 10 games.
“I wouldn’t call it a funk, I would just say we’ve lost more games than we’ve won the last couple of weeks,” said Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. “I like our bats. I like where we are. Everybody needs to relax and be themselves.”
Easton Lucas (1-0) earned his first major league win with two perfect innings of relief, and Shelby Miller got his second save. Tyler Holton, Alex Faedo, Jason Foley, and Andrew Chafin also pitched in during the bullpen day.
“Mission accomplished,” Miller said. “We all came in knowing we were needed, and everyone came out and got the job done.”
Bligh Madris and Jake Rogers scored on Báez’s homer off Guardians starter Gavin Williams (0-3). Williams threw a career-high 105 pitches in six innings and struck out a season-high nine batters but has lost all three of his home games.
Holton made his second start of the series, pitching two innings, just two days after throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Lucas followed him on the mound.
