By Larry Arreguin| LPL News Wire| May 18, 2026

DETROIT, MI (5-18-26)— The Detroit Tigers couldn’t capitalize on an early opportunity Tuesday night, and the visiting Cleveland Guardians took full advantage, pulling away for an 8-2 victory at Comerica Park.

Detroit grabbed a 1-0 lead in the opening inning when left fielder Riley Greene (#31) doubled to right field, bringing home catcher Dillon Dingler (#13). But after that early spark, the Tigers’ offense struggled to find consistency against Cleveland starter Slade Cecconi, who limited Detroit to five hits over 7.1 innings while striking out four.

The Guardians responded in the third inning as Carson DeLauter drove in a run on a fielder’s choice before Rhys Hoskins delivered an RBI double to give Cleveland a 2-1 edge. Cleveland continued to pressure Tigers starter Framber Valdez (#59) throughout the night, adding two more runs in the fifth inning.

Valdez lasted five innings, allowing four earned runs on five hits and four walks while striking out three. The left-hander fell to 2-3 on the season as Cleveland consistently forced Detroit into difficult situations with patient at-bats.

Things unraveled further in the sixth inning after reliever Brant Hurter entered the game. The Guardians plated three runs, highlighted by José Ramírez’s two-run double to right that extended the lead to 7-1.

Ramírez finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs and added a solo home run in the ninth inning off Endrys De Jesús to cap the scoring. Hoskins added two RBIs, while DeLauter also drove in a pair for Cleveland.

Detroit’s lone late bright spot came in the eighth inning when centerfielder Matt Vierling (#8) launched a 400-foot solo home run to left field, trimming the deficit to 7-2. Greene collected two of the Tigers’ five hits and continued to swing one of the hottest bats in Detroit’s lineup.

The Tigers struggled with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-4 and grounding into two double plays. Spencer Torkelson (#20) and Dingler were both erased in rally-killing twin killings as Detroit left little room for a comeback.

Cleveland improved behind a disciplined offensive approach that produced seven walks and nine hits while forcing Detroit pitchers into long counts throughout the night.

Detroit will look to bounce back in the next game of the series as the Tigers attempt to keep pace in the tightly contested American League Central race.