The Cleveland Guardians won 5-4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, securing an important sweep in the three-game series.
That’s what the box score reads, and it’s all that matters.
However, things happened in the game, some of which have Guardians fans very concerned.
Struggling closer Emmanuel Clase notched the win and is now 3-0 on the season, somehow.
However, he was handed a three-run lead in the ninth frame and blew it in ugly fashion.
Second blown save by Emmanuel Clase this season, and first since Opening Day. Pittsburgh scored three runs on four hits and a walk in the ninth to send it to the 10th.
— Tim Stebbins (@tim_stebbins) April 20, 2025
The All-Star stopper surrendered a walk, two doubles, and two singles to allow the three runs that tied the game at four apiece in the bottom of the ninth.
While he never really showed any real signs of improving, Clase hadn’t conceded any runs in his last three appearances leading into Sunday’s ugly showing.
He doesn’t appear to be close to breaking through, and it could start costing Cleveland in the win column.
For the 2025 campaign as a whole, Clase has slumped to a horrible 7.84 ERA.
It’s a far cry from the 0.61 ERA he put up last year when he was a legitimate AL Cy Young Award candidate.
Manager Stephen Vogt has repeatedly backed his star reliever during these turbulent times.
Fans, however, are starting to lose their patience.
Cleveland went on to win in extras thanks to a sac fly by Kyle Manzardo (who homered earlier in the game) and Joey Cantillo, who navigated through the ghost runner in the bottom of the tenth to get the save.
Still, if you are a Guardians fan, it’s impossible not to worry about Clase and the ninth-inning situation.
His command and confidence are completely gone.
NEXT: Guardians Credit C.J. Kayfus' Breakout To 1 Key Offseason Development
