“Here we go again,” Cleveland Guardians fans thought as Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty dominated their heroes for the second time in two weeks.

But a funny thing happened: Tanner Bibee and the Cleveland bullpen were just as dominant. The Guardians squeaked out a 2-1 win last night at Progressive Field.

Things started poorly for the Guardians. Detroit center fielder Matt Vierling hit a solo home run in the first inning. Meanwhile, Flaherty retired the first eight hitters he faced.

Bibee only gave up one more hit in his five innings of work before he left with leg cramps.

Cleveland tied the game 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Steven Kwan looped a single to left-center field. Bo Naylor raced home with the tying run.

BULLPEN HEROICS

The Guardians bullpen was the key to the victory. Scott Barlow, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, and Emmanuel Clase did not allow a hit in the final four innings.

Gaddis (4-2) struck out the side in the eighth, and Clase earned his 31st save in the ninth.

All Cleveland needed was one more run, and it came in the eighth inning. Josh Naylor singled to score his brother, Bo, with the winning run.

Cleveland has a 2-1 advantage in the series, which will conclude today at 1:10 p.m.

Fans will get City Connect beach towels before watching Gavin Williams (0-2) take the mound for Cleveland. Detroit will try the “bullpen game” idea for the second time in the series.