George Valera hit a two-run homer in the third inning and Jose Ramirez doubled home a pair in the seventh as the Cleveland Guardians beat the visiting Detroit Tigers 5-1 on Wednesday night, seizing sole possession of first place in the American League Central Division.

Steven Kwan added an RBI single and Brayan Rocchio scored twice for the Guardians (86-72), who lead the free-falling Tigers (85-73) by one game in the division with four to play. Detroit has dropped eight straight -- five against Cleveland -- and 11 of its last 12.

Tanner Bibee (12-11) worked six innings, allowing one run on five hits in beating the Tigers for the second time in seven days. The right-hander struck out five with two walks and is 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA in four starts in September.

Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, Ja

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