Guardians Bats Back Up Bullpen In Extra Innings Win Over Red Sox

Guardians Bats Back Up Bullpen In Extra Innings Win Over Red Sox

The Cleveland Guardians have had one of baseball’s best bullpens through the first three weeks of the 2024 season. It’s been even more impressive considering the unknowns that have come with their starting rotation. 

But at some point, this bullpen was going to give into the heavy workload they’ve endured. That’s exactly what happened against the Boston Red Sox, but the Guardians were able to fight back and walk out of Fenway with a 10-7 win and a series victory. 

Here's how it all transpired.

Tyler Beede relieved Tanner Bibee after Cleveland’s starter pitched 5.0 innings only giving up a solo home run. However, Beede’s outing wasn’t as efficient. He gave up three earned runs including a two-run homer to Connor Wong in the sixth inning which set the Red Sox up to take control of the game.

Cade Smith then gave up a go-ahead two-run double to Rafael Devers which gave the Red Sox a 5-6 lead. 

The offense didn't going to go down without a fight though.

Andres Gimenez singled in the tip of the ninth inning to tie the game at six runs each and force extra innings. Gabriel Arias then gave the Guardians a one-run lead in the 10th inning. However, even with momentum on the Guardians’ side, Emmanuel Clase couldn’t stop Boston from tying the game up in extras.

Apr 16, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) celebrates after hitting an RBI double during the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The Guardians’ bats fought back once against and courtesy of a Jose Ramirez single and an Estevan Florial base hit, Cleveland secured a three-run lead and a victory. 

Stephen Vogt once again credited the Guardians for their fight. “It just speaks to the resilience of this team," said the Guardians manager. "The bullpen, one of the first nights where it just didn’t go our way, and then other guys come in and step up.”

Mindset is key to success and it’s clear the Guardians perspective is that they’re never out of a game. Their victory over the Red Sox is just one more example of this.