(Cleveland) Tanner Bibee excelled in seven innings and Ramon Laureano hit a timely double on Tuesday as the Cleveland Guardians won 1-0 at the expense of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bibee (8-2) has gone undefeated in his last nine starts. He allowed six singles including three to lead off batter Whit Merrifield
The 24-year-old right-hander had six batters at bat and didn’t allow a walk.
In the third inning, Bibee walked away undamaged from a bases-loaded situation with just one out. He then struck out George Springer and Daulton Varsho.
“You have to give that kid credit,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. It was our chance. He had George with a shift and Varsh with a slippery one. That’s what made the difference. »
Laureano was claimed off waivers Monday from the Oakland A’s. He didn’t arrive in Cleveland until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning from San Francisco.
The newcomer hit a one-run double in the second, against Yusei Kikuchi (9-4). The latter allowed that run and three hits in seven innings, with six strikeouts.
After that double, Kikuchi struck out 17 of the next 18 batters.
“He probably threw beyond expectations,” Schneider said. He was absolutely fantastic. »
The Japanese gave the maximum one point in a fourth straight start.
Varsho made Emmanuel Clase work in ninth. First batter of the inning, he dropped a perfect bunt and stole second base.
When a Danny Jansen fly ball went to right field at Laureano, Varsho respected Jansen’s strong arm.
Clase then got the better of Cavan Biggio at bat. Matt Chapman got an infield single, but Clase closed the books by retiring Alejandro Kirk on a fly ball to center field. Clase thus earned a 30th save.
The Jays were looking for a fifth straight win. The Indians ended a three-game losing streak.
Wednesday night, the starters will be Kevin Gausman and Logan Allen.
Earlier Tuesday, the Blue Jays placed center fielder Kevin Kiermaier on the 10-day injured list after suffering a right elbow laceration.
He was injured Sunday at Fenway Park, making a catch at the fence. The gesture is retroactive to Monday.
Kiermaier is hitting .274 in 95 games this season, with five homers and 27 RBIs. The 33-year-old veteran also stole 11 bases.
To replace him in the lineup, the Jays recalled outfielder Nathan Lukes from the Buffalo Bisons in the AAA.
