Josh Naylor has provided a spark at various points this season for the Cleveland Guardians, and he did it again last night, hitting a go-ahead home run off of Boston Red Sox reliever Tanner Houck that ultimately was the difference in the game.
Cleveland won 7-6 and will go for a series victory tonight.
After the game, Naylor was being interviewed about his clutch performance against the Red Sox, when Austin Hedges came and dumped a little water on him.
Instead of talking about himself though, Naylor decided to give his teammates praise, expressing how much he appreciated them for their hard work.
Bally Sports Cleveland tweeted a video of Naylor’s postgame interview.
Josh Naylor got a cooldown after all that smoke, then spoke from the heart about his love for his @CleGuardians teammates.#ForTheLand | @DreKnott pic.twitter.com/myIouLeFJv
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) July 28, 2022
Naylor Praises Teammates
Naylor is not only turning himself into an underrated star, but he’s also emerged as a leader for this Guardians team.
The Guardians weren’t expected to do much of anything this season, but thanks in large part to Naylor and his heroics, the Guardians find themselves right in the thick of the postseason chase, just 2.5 games back in the Wild Card race and a game-and-a-half behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
Naylor’s home run last night was his 14th of the year and was yet another example of how clutch he can be.
But beyond that, it’s clear that Naylor truly does care about his teammates and will do anything to fight for them and help his ballclub win.
These are all important traits of a clubhouse leader.
Naylor is only 25, but is displaying the poise and determination of a seasoned veteran, somebody who is willing to help carry the load for this ballclub.
And he led the way last night, coming up big in the clutch once again and delivering the biggest hit of the night.
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