CLEVELAND -- A loss with Tanner Bibee on the mound is rare for the Guardians, but it seems as though Tampa Bay just has Cleveland’s number.

The Rays have now taken four of five matchups against the Guardians in 2024 after Cleveland fell, 3-1, on Friday night at Progressive Field. And with a Royals win over the Pirates, Kansas City sits just three games back of Cleveland in the American League Central with 14 games remaining in the regular season.

Bibee’s turn in the rotation has almost become a guaranteed win for the Guardians, considering the team had won 20 of his 28 starts entering the night. Only Sean Manaea and Shota Imanaga (both 21) had started more team victories in the Majors this season. But Bibee gave up two long balls and was charged with three runs in six innings on Friday, while Cleveland’s bats were held to just four hits on the night.

This has been the story for the Guardians this season against the Rays. These two teams have only met for two series, but Tampa Bay has limited Cleveland to just seven runs in five games, while holding the club to a measly 4-for-32 (.125 average) with runners in scoring position.