The Cleveland Guardians were in big need of some momentum after struggling early in the season.
Fortunately, they found just that when they got back home.
Following a nine-game season-opening road trip that spanned three cities and boasting a less-than-impressive 3-6 record, Stephen Vogt’s team finally made its way back to The Land.
Now, they’re 8-7 after going 5-1 against the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals.
That’s why, even though Cole Ragans snapped their five-game winning streak, the Guardians’ manager was more than satisfied with his team’s effort:
“I’ll sign up for 5-1 homestands any chance we can get,” Vogt said. “Really proud of the boys. They had a great series.”
The Guardians will now hit the road again for their next six games against the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates.
They didn’t close out the homestand on a high note, but that’s usually the case when Ragans is in control.
Things weren’t much easier once the bullpen took over, as they only logged one hit off them, a Steve Kwan lead-off hit in the ninth inning.
Ragans allowed just four hits and struck out ten hitters across 7.2 IP.
Ben Lively wasn’t as sharp, allowing four runs on seven hits across six full frames.
He also allowed a game-tying two-run blast by Salvador Perez in the fourth inning.
Lively has now allowed a home run in three of his four starts this season, and that should be something to keep a close eye on.
Granted, sweeping the White Sox is nothing to brag about, but this was the kind of motivational boost this team clearly needed after such a complicated start to the campaign.
