If there’s any good news in the Cleveland Guardians’ eight-game losing streak, it’s that the pitching has been very good.

The hitting is the problem.

Even the defense, which was starting to slide, has picked up. This team just can’t hit.

When your pitchers hold the fearsome Detroit Tigers lineup to two runs, you have to win the game.

Instead, the Cleveland Guardians lost 2-1 last night at Progressive Field.

At least my kid got a Hot Dog T-shirt (Ketchup!) and enjoyed the Fourth of July fireworks.

PROMISING START

Cleveland jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a solo homer by Jose Ramirez.

He was 0-for-21 before the dinger, but Ramirez is still having an All-Star season with a .299 batting average, 14 homers, and 39 RBI.

Detroit came back with a pair of solo homers off Slade Cecconi (3-4).

Wenceel Perez went deep in the third, and Zach McKinstry connected in the fourth.

The rest of the game was dominated by the pitchers. Cecconi, Michael Festa, and Doug Nikhazy didn’t allow any more damage, although they combined for only two strikeouts.

WE NEED THE BIG HIT

Unfortunately, the Guardians couldn’t drive in a run when it counted. Daniel Schneemann grounded out with the bases loaded to end the eighth inning.

Steven Kwan doubled in the ninth, but Kyle Manzardo grounded out to the pitcher to end the game.

Game 2 of the series will begin at 7:15 tonight. Logan Allen (5-6) will start for Cleveland. The Tigers will counter with Casey Mize (8-2).