Tanner Bibee pitched like an ace when the Cleveland Guardians needed him most.

Bibee delivered seven shutout innings as Cleveland beat the Detroit Tigers 7-0 in the opener of a four-game series.

The visiting Guardians jumped from fourth place to second place in the AL Central Division with a record of 27-22.

The Tigers lead the Guardians, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins by five games.

Bibee outdueled Jack Flaherty, as both pitchers held opposing batters scoreless for the first three innings.

TAME THE TIGERS

Carlos Santana broke the deadlock in the fourth inning with a two-run double. Kyle Manzardo and Jose Ramirez scored.

Angel Martinez increased the lead to 3-0 with a solo homer to right field.

The Guardians blew the game open with four runs in the ninth inning. Santana scored on a fielding error by Zach McKinstry at third base.

Martinez struck again with a two-run double, scoring Bo Naylor and Daniel Schneemann.

Lane Thomas returned from injury, giving Tigers fans flashback to his crucial home run in last year’s playoffs. Will Brennan took his place on the injured list.

Thomas finished the rally with a sacrifice fly to score Martinez.

BULLPEN BRIGADE

Tim Herrin relieved Bibee in the eighth inning and loaded the bases with two hits and a walk. Cade Smith came to the rescue by striking out the next three hitters.

Michael Festa pitched a scoreless ninth inning after the Guardians were ahead by a touchdown.

Game 2 will start at 7:10 tonight. Slade Cecconi (0-1) will start for Cleveland, while Detroit will counter with Jackson Jobe (4-0).