The Cleveland Guardians won five consecutive games heading into their weekend series against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Team spirit and morale were high, as they were in complete control of their own destiny.
Two games later, Cleveland has lost both the opener on Friday and Saturday’s contest as well, while the Minnesota Twins have won three in a row.
Guardians fans have to be nervous at the moment because the Twins are just two games behind in the AL Central standings.
Not only that, but the Kansas City Royals are also in the push, just four games out of first place.
On Saturday, Milwaukee defeated the Guardians 2-1 behind a quality start by right-hander Freddy Peralta, who pitched six frames with one run allowed and three strikeouts.
Guardians’ starter, Tanner Bibee, was also solid on the mound, but he took the loss after conceding two runs (only one earned) in five innings.
Bibee (10-5) took his ERA to a solid 3.33 in the losing effort.
He walked just one and struck out seven Brewers, but it wasn’t enough in an inspired night by Peralta.
The Brewers struck first, in the opening frame, scoring a run thanks to a Gary Sanchez double that plated Brice Turang.
Josh Naylor would tie things up in the top of the fourth frame with a solo home run, his 27th of the year.
Josh!! #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/XiOrucilZ3
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 18, 2024
It’s, by far, a career-high for the flamboyant slugger.
In the bottom of that frame, however, Brewers catcher William Contreras would restore Milwaukee’s lead with a solo homer of his own.
Both team’s pitching staffs would ensure no one would score again.
The Guards will take the field for the finale on Sunday, starting at 2:10 pm ET.
Ben Lively will take the ball for Cleveland, and Colin Rea will be the pitcher for the opposite team.
They better start winning again because the Twins and Royals aren’t going away.
NEXT: Guardians No. 1 Draft Pick Enjoying Hot Streak In High-A
