CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – This baseball season is starting to build beyond simply a hot start for the Guardians.
David Fry drove in two and scored the third run, starter Ben Lively struck out seven and allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings as the Guardians beat the Mets 3-1 Monday night at Progressive Field.
It was Cleveland’s seventh win in their last eight games to improve to 31-17 and remain atop the AL Central standings.
“We expect to win no matter what the score is middle of the game,” Fry said. “We're in the dugout, [and] we're just like we feel like we're going to win, and it's just a really fun clubhouse showing up every day, and we've been winning a lot, so it's been a lot of fun.”
Here’s the top news and notes from the opener with the Mets.
2-out bingo – After the first two batters were retired, Jose Ramirez ignited a 2-out rally in the bottom of the first with a single to right. Josh Naylor followed with his own to left that left fielder Brandon Nimmo overran allowing both runners to move up a base to second and third. Fry then delivered a two-run single to right for a 2-0 Guardians lead. “They're good players and we're at our best when we're doing things like that,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It's single, single. Take advantage of a defensive miscue, get into scoring position and then David Fry goes the other way for a base hit and not trying to hit the three run homer. It's taking what the pitcher gives you. It's we're going to manufacture runs, we're going to hit some homers, but that's not our M.O. and we just make things happen. And those are three very good baseball players that created two runs there in the first.” Ask Vogt or anyone in the clubhouse and they’ll say Fry is the engine that keeps things running, and he did it again Monday night. “I love hearing that,” Fry said. “I mean, anytime your teammates speak highly of you, that means more to you than anything. Those are the guys you're playing for and you're fighting for, so to hear. That's really cool.”
Kid comes through – Kyle Manzardo pushed the lead back to 2 in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double to center that scored Fry, who led off the inning with a walk. “That one felt good,” Manzardo said.
Lively outing – Guardians starter Ben Lively’s lone mistake came to Mets catcher Tomas Nido, who clubbed a solo home run to the bleachers in left in the top of the third to cut the Guardians advantage in half, 2-1. It was the only run surrendered by lively in 5 2/3 innings of work that saw him allow six hits and strike out seven. “I just feel like everyone wants to keep music going,” Lively said. “I mean, everyone wants to keep having fun after games. We get so quiet after a loss. It's insane because I know all of us just want to just be partying and having the music on in the whole time.”
Bullish pen – Emmanuel Clase picked up his MLB leading 14 th save with a 1-2-3 ninth inning. It was the 124 th career save for Clase, tying him with former closer Chris Perez for fourth on the all-time franchise list. Cleveland’s pen threw 3 1/3 scoreless innings lowering their ERA to 2.50, second lowest in baseball behind the Yankees. “They carry us,” Fry said. “I mean, every time they come into the game, we're just like, yep, they're going to get a bunch of zeros.”
Heave ho – Mets right fielder Starling Marte was ejected following a disagreement with plate umpire Manny Gonzalez on a called third strike that ended the top of the fourth. Tyrone Taylor took over for Marte, who went 0-2, in right field.
Warm welcome – Francisco Lindor received a warm reception when he stepped to the plate to lead off the game from the 20,046 fans on hand. He then went 0-4, dropping his batting average to .193.
Roster move – The Guardians called up outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from AAA Columbus and designated outfielder Ramon Laureano for assignment. The 24-year old, who makes his Major League debut, was hitting batting .276 with 30 runs scored, six doubles, seven home runs and 28 RBI in 43 games for the Clippers. “Jay Rod's been hitting really well in Columbus, been driving the ball all over the ballpark, been playing pretty good defense and really starting to mature and develop as a player overall,” Vogt said. “And so I'm really excited to have Jay Rod here and see what he can bring. And obviously on the flip side, really, really disappointing sad day to let Ramon go, especially with my relationship with him being a former teammate. And it was just time on both sides and obviously not a fun day or a decision.”
Up next – Game 2 against the New York Mets Tuesday at 6:10 p.m. RHP Carlos Carrasco (2-4, 5.16) vs. RHP Adrian Houser (0-3, 7.44)
Most Popular
Comments / 0