Jose Ramirez’s first homer in nearly a month put Cleveland ahead for good in the fifth, and his RBI single an inning later provided some needed insurance, as the Guardians beat the visiting Detroit Tigers 5-4 on Tuesday night.
Ramirez’s 24th home run was his first since June 29, and it broke a 2-2 tie. He then capped a two-run sixth with a lined hit to right that put Cleveland ahead 5-2.
Steve Kwan and Jhonkensy Noel also homered and had two hits apiece, while Emmanuel Clase recorded his 30th save as the Guardians, leaders of the American League Central, evened this four-game series at a game each by snapping a three-game skid.
Wenceel Perez hit a two-run homer for the Tigers, who couldn’t build on Monday’s 8-2 win at Cleveland, but lost for just the fourth time in 15 games.
The long ball helped the Tigers take the lead an inning later. Mark Canha doubled near the top of the 19-foot-high-wall in left field, and Perez followed with a drive well into the right field seats for a 2-1 Tigers lead.
In the sixth, Cleveland’s Tyler Freeman walked, went to second on Daniel Schneemann’s single and scored on Angel Martinez’s sacrifice fly. Ramirez then singled for his 82nd RBI.
The Tigers, though, got within one in the seventh. Gio Urshela walked, went to third on Zach McKinstry’s double to left and scored via Jake Rogers fly ball to the wall in right. McKinstry moved up on that play and later came home when a would-be pickoff at first base by catcher Hunter Gaddis hit runner Matt Vierling, who was diving back to the base.
Cleveland’s Cade Smith (5-1) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the win. He struck out three.