On Sunday, the Cleveland Guardians swept the Minnesota Twins in impressive fashion, with a walk-off home run by outfielder Will Brennan.
Before that moment, however, Tanner Bibee dominated the Twins offense for seven full innings, allowing just a single run and striking out eight batters.
Since the offense didn’t really come through until Brennan’s blast, Bibee couldn’t get the win.
Still, it was because of him that the team was in the game when the walk-off took place at Progressive Field a couple of innings later.
Brennan made sure to give Bibee his flowers in the post-game interview.
“‘It’s what he does. He’s our star, he’s our ace, that’s our guy Tanner Bibee.’ Will Brennan gives a huge vote of confidence to Tanner Bibee, who says it feels really great to know his team thinks he’s an ace,” Bally Sports Cleveland tweeted.
"It's what he does. He's our star, he's our ace, that's our guy Tanner Bibee."
Will Brennan gives a huge vote of confidence to Tanner Bibee, who says it feels really great to know his team thinks he's an ace. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/yJcWxPApww
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) May 19, 2024
When the Guardians lost Shane Bieber last year with an injury for several weeks, it was Bibee as the one pitcher who took the team and carried it on his back.
He finished with a sub-3.00 ERA (2.98) and earned lots of AL Rookie of the Year votes.
This year, a similar thing has happened: Bieber went down with a long-term injury and Bibee is taking over ace duties again.
His ERA is down to 3.93 for the season and keeps trending down.
When it comes to reliable pitchers in the Guardians rotation, he is the gold standard at the moment.
His teammates, including Brennan, recognize and value that.
It’s nice to know the Guardians have a frontline starter even after losing the dominant Bieber.
NEXT: Guardians Executive Shares Important Update On Injured Star
