It’s official: the Cleveland Guardians are back.
Well, they never really left, but they did have something of a rough patch recently.
That’s in the past now: after beating the Baltimore Orioles again on Friday, the Guards have won five in a row and eight of their last 10 to cement their place as the best team in baseball by record and by the eye test, too.
BOOK IT. Cleveland wins their 5th straight and continue to reign supreme as the top team in baseball! #ForTheLand | @CleGuardians pic.twitter.com/yMeUdTzHcG
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) August 3, 2024
Cleveland took the second game of a four-game set with an 8-4 score, and got excellent performances from Carlos Carrasco and Josh Naylor.
Carrasco held a top offense like the O’s at just one run in 4.1 innings.
Length was obviously an issue, as he gave up four free passes, but struck out five and held the mighty O’s to just one hit all night.
That helped him limit the damage.
Rookie Cade Smith came to the rescue and tossed 1.2 perfect innings in which he struck out three rivals.
In the meantime, Naylor logged three hits in the night, including one double, with two RBI and a run scored.
The Guardians made Orioles starter Dean Kremer and the bullpen work, earning six walks against just four punchouts.
Even though he didn’t actually earn a save, Emmanuel Clase finished the game and took his ERA to an unbelievable 0.70.
The Guardians will try to secure the series with a win on Saturday.
Rookie left-hander Joey Cantillo, who allowed three runs in 3.1 frames in his debut earlier last weekend, will take the ball for Cleveland.
Zach Eflin, a trade deadline acquisition, will toe the rubber for Baltimore.
NEXT: CC Sabathia Has Important Message For Guardians Fans
