Daniel Schneemann hit a two-run homer off Tarik Skubal, spoiling the American League Cy Young Award winner’s return from left elbow surgery, as the Cleveland Guardians beat the visiting Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Skubal (3-3), making his first start since April 24, pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed three runs, two earned, on five hits. The impending free agent struck out four, walked one and hit a batter while throwing 80 pitches.
Guardians starter Joey Cantillo (5-3) retired the final nine batters he faced in a five-inning, one-run outing. The lefty gave up six hits and struck out four without issuing a walk, winning for the first time since May 21 at the Tigers.
Cade Smith recorded the final four outs for his major-league leading 23rd save in 25 opportunities. Detroit sent the potential go-ahead run to the plate twice in the ninth, but Kevin McGonigle and Matt Vierling both grounded out.
The Guardians also lost Ramirez (undisclosed) and Angel Martinez (left foot bruise) to injuries, leaving them with one remaining position player for the final four innings. Rhys Hoskins was forced to play left field for the first time since 2018.
Dillon Dingler singled in Gleyber Torres in the first for the Tigers, but gifted the Guardians the tying run in the second by throwing the ball into left field on an attempted steal of third base by Travis Bazzana.
First base umpire Mike Muchlinski was unable to finish the game due to an illness, moving Emil Jimenez over from second base.
The Guardians have won all six games between the clubs this season, including a four-game sweep in Detroit from May 18-21 that saw the Tigers score eight total runs.
