What a comfort it must be, what a gift, for manager AJ Hinch to be able send Tarik Skubal to the mound every five days or so.

Tarik Skubal gave up two hits and matched a career high with 13 strikeouts in his first complete game, Zach McKinstry had a two-run homer in a five-run fourth inning and Detroit beat Cleveland 5-0 Sunday to avoid a four-game sweep.

Slade Cecconi threw six strong innings Friday night as the Guardians beat the AL Central-leading Tigers, 3-1, at Comerica Park. It was their second straight win over the Tigers as they pulled to within four games of first place.

It felt like the Tigers were waiting around to die Saturday night. Finally, in the 10th inning, the Guardians obliged them.

Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana was scratched from the lineup against the Detroit Tigers with tightness in his left leg.

The last time Tarik Skubal faced the Guardians, he was the focal point of a party at Progressive Field. Lane Thomas’ grand slam had not only powered Cleveland to a victory in Game 5 of the American League Division Series and a berth in the ALCS,

The Guardians brought the rain with them from Minneapolis. They brought something else as well — a win. Facing the Tigers, owners of the best record in baseball, Tanner Bibee threw seven scoreless innings and the Guardians hitters finally solved the puzzle of Jack Flaherty for an 7-7 victory at Comerica Park.

Guardians pitcher Ben Lively will undergo Tommy John reconstruction surgery on his right elbow and will be sidelined for the rest of the season.