Guardians score vs Tigers | Struggling Cleveland offense falls short to Detroit in loss

CLEVELAND — On July 4, the Guardians hope to celebrate their independence from being shut out when they host the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers.

The Guardians enter the July 4 weekend having been shut out in four of their last seven games, a brutal offensive stretch that has put them five games below .500 and looking for a spark.

It was the Guardians' fifth sellout of the 2025 season.

Follow along for live score updates, analysis and highlights from the game on July 4 in Cleveland.

Guardians fall to the Tigers

The Guardians were blanked over the final eight innings in a 2-1 loss to the Tigers. They're now six games under .500 and sinking while their offense is struggling to tread water.

With two outs in the ninth, Steven Kwan doubled down the left-field line to put the tying run in scoring position against Tigers reliever Will Vest, but Kyle Manzardo grounded out to the pitcher to end it with Jose Ramirez lurking on deck.

It was also announced that Lane Thomas left the July 4 game with plantar fasciitis symptoms. Following the game, manager Stephen Vogt noted it was mostly precautionary, and that the team didn't like how Thomas was moving in the outfield.

Guardians threatening in 8th inning, trailing by 1 to Tigers

The Guardians have the tying run 90 feet away in the eighth inning.

Carlos Santana drew a walk and Nolan Jones singled to put runners on the corners with two outs. The Tigers turned to Will Vest to face pinch-hitter David Fry, who drew a walk to load the bases for Daniel Schneemann.

Schneemann, though, grounded out to end the inning. Another opportunity lost. Timely hitting has been the Guardians' Achilles heel.

Tigers lead Guardians entering 8th inning

The Guardians have seven hits but it's translated into only one run. They've been blanked since Jose Ramirez's solo home run in the first inning, and they trail the Tigers 2-1 entering the eighth inning.

They're hoping for some late fireworks on July 4 (see what I did there?).

Zach McKinstry solo home run gives Tigers lead over Guardians

It's been a game of all solo homers so far. The last, a shot to right field by Zach McKinstry off Slade Cecconi, has given the Tigers a 2-1 lead.

Once again, a struggling Guardians lineup will have to play catch-up.

In addition to the two solo homers, the Tigers have had quite a few "loud" outs as well, sending several fly balls to the warning track. They've gone for outs, but it's not the best sign when there's so much hard contact.

Jul 4, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) advances to third on a hit by right fielder Nolan Jones (not pictured) during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Wenceel Perez throws out a runner at home, then hits home run; Guardians, Tigers tied

The Guardians and Tigers are tied, and it's almost entirely due to Wenceel Perez.

In the bottom of the second, with Bo Naylor on second base, Angel Martinez singled into right field. Perez fielded it and fired home, with the throw just beating Naylor to the plate in a bang-bang play.

The next half inning, Perez crushed a solo home run to left field off of Slade Cecconi to tie it 1-1.

Jul 4, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Reese Olson (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Jose Ramirez home run gives Guardians early lead; Guardians, Tigers score update

The Guardians will not be shut out today.

After Steven Kwan put a ride into a fly ball that was caught, Jose Ramirez drilled one that just got over the wall for a solo home run to right field, putting the Guardians up 1-0.

That's home run No. 14 for Ramirez this season.

Guardians, Tigers score: Detroit loads the bases in 1st inning but leaves them empty

The Tigers loaded the bases in the first inning via two singles and a walk, but with two outs, Zach McKinstry grounded out to the right side of the infield, allowing Slade Cecconi to escape the inning with it still scoreless.

Below is some pregame information.

Jose Ramirez named AL All-Star starter

Guardians third baseman will be in the starting lineup for the American League in the 2025 All-Star Game. It was his seventh career All-Star selection, one behind Bob Feller for the franchise record.

MLB Standings: American League Central

1. Tigers 54-34
2. Twins 41-46 (12.5)
3. Guardians 40-45 (12.5)
4. Royals 41-47 (13)
5. White Sox 28-59 (25.5)

Guardians schedule | Upcoming games

The Guardians host the the division-leading Detroit Tigers for three games over the July 4th weekend before heading on the road for a seven-game trip to Houston (three games) and then Chicago to face the White Sox (four games), which will lead into the All-Star break.

How can I watch, stream or listen to the Guardians vs Tigers game?

The game on July 4 can be viewed locally on WKYC Channel 3. It can also be streamed via MLB's direct-to-consumer streaming subscription (CLEGuardians.TV) for $99.99 a season or $19.99 a month. And it'll be available on the radio via WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 and WARF 1350.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians score vs Tigers | Struggling Cleveland offense falls short to Detroit in loss