The Cleveland Guardians are continuing to roll through the American League and are sitting comfortably atop the AL Central with a 44-23 record and a 6-game lead over the Kansas City Royals.
A major reason behind this success has been the team’s bullpen, which has been indisputably the best in the league, which it once again showcased on Friday night in a 3-1 win over the Toronto Blue Jays to kick off a 3-game set north of the border.
After Logan Allen gave up just one run in five innings last night, the Guardians bullpen combined to throw four scoreless innings to finish the job, giving up just one walk and no hits along the way.
This bullpen is unstoppable. #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/V8DTj4KRz0
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) June 15, 2024
Cade Smith, Scott Barlow, Sam Hentges, and Hunter Gaddis combined to bridge the gap to dominant closer Emmanuel Clase, who slammed the door once again like he has so many times this year.
Clase threw just nine pitches en route to his 21st save of the year and got back on track after giving up a run in each of his last two outings, though his ERA still sits at a minuscule 0.81.
The rotation has been great despite losing Cy Young winner Shane Bieber to Tommy John surgery early in the season, while Gavin Williams has yet to debut this season as well.
Clase has been the star of the show, but the guys bridging the gap to him have been dominant as well, as Barlow has by far the highest ERA in the bullpen and he still only has a 3.58 ERA.
This bullpen is special.
NEXT: Guardians Analyst Speaks On Team's 'Embarrassment Of Riches'
