The Cleveland Guardians weren’t favored to win on Saturday.
Everyone, from analysts to betting houses and fans expected the Pittsburgh Pirates to come out on top because second-year phenom Paul Skenes was going to be on the mound.
Skenes, in case you don’t know, is a generational talent and the reigning NL Rookie of the Year.
He didn’t pitch badly but lost anyway.
Yes, that’s right, the Guardians won behind a very solid outing by backend starter Ben Lively.
“Game over. #Guardians win their second-straight game 3-0 over the Pirates at PNC Park. Ben Lively outdueling Paul Skenes. Cleveland improves to 11-9 on the young season,” sports anchor Nick Camino posted on X.
Game over. #Guardians win their second-straight game 3-0 over the Pirates at PNC Park.
Ben Lively outdueling Paul Skenes.
Cleveland improves to 11-9 on the young season.
— Nick Camino (@NickCaminoWKYC) April 19, 2025
This is exactly what makes baseball the best game in the world.
It’s full of strange twists and huge surprises.
This time, the heavily favored star couldn’t beat the seasoned journeyman.
Lively tossed 5.1 scoreless frames to lead the way for Cleveland, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out four batters.
It was enough to score his first win of the 2025 campaign.
He entered the game with an ERA over 4.00 and left with a steady 3.86 mark that says he has been far from a star, but instead, he has developed into a dependable figure in the Guardians’ rotation.
The game was highly entertaining for those who love pitching.
The entire Guardians’ pitching staff outdueled Skenes and the Pirates: Lively was just the first man up.
After him, Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis, and even Emmanuel Clase delivered zeroes to get Cleveland to the finish line.
With the win, the Guards are 11-9, still 1.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central lead.
NEXT: Watch: Kyle Manzardo Hits Ball Out Of PNC Park Against Paul Skenes
