CLEVELAND -- The fly ball off the bat of George Valera in the third inning on Wednesday continued to carry out toward right-center field. Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows had a good bead on the drive, and after sizing up the outfield wall, leaped up to try to bring it down.

Meadows may have gotten some leather on it. But Valera hit it well enough to sneak it just beyond his outstretched glove -- and to send Progressive Field into a frenzy.

Valera’s two-run homer off Jack Flaherty gave the Guardians a lead that they did not relinquish, in their 5-1 win over the Tigers that secured a series win for Cleveland in the critical three-game set. It marked Detroit's eighth consecutive loss.

Valera’s blast was enough offense for Guardians starter Tanner Bibee, who allowed one run on five

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