Guardians Make Statement With Series Victory Over Mariners

The Cleveland Guardians have scored the most runs in the American League through the first two series of the 2024 MLB season.

The Cleveland Guardians got off to a tremendous start to the season with a series victory against the Oakland Athletics with the bats coming alive for 29 runs. However, some critics pointed to the level of competition being one of the reasons for their hot start.

The Guards clearly had something to prove as they traveled North to take on the Seattle Mariners. Cleveland’s bats continued to impress as they went on for a series victory scoring a combined 17 runs over three games.

It wasn’t just that the Guardians won this series. The main takeaway is how they knocked out two of Seattle’s best pitchers who have been Cy Young candidates in the past season.

Luis Castillo took the mound in the second game of the series. The Guardians tagged him for 10 hits and four earned runs in 5.2 innings. The highlight from this one was a towering two-run homer from Bo Naylor which gave the team a 3-0 lead and they never looked back after this.

Apr 2, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Bo Naylor (23) celebrates with right fielder Will Brennan (17) after hitting a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

George Kirby took the mound for the Mariners in the finale looking to clinch the series. There are not many other pitchers in baseball you’d want on the mound a day after a loss. However, Cleveland jumped all over him as the righty gave up 10 hits and eight earned runs as the Guardians knocked him out before the fourth inning.

This offense has been one of the best in baseball through the first week of the season. The Guardians now scored the most runs in the American League through the first seven games.

We can talk about the offense all we want, but the pitching was another standout in this series. Shane Bieber pitched another masterclass and has yet to give up a run through 12 innings of work in his first two starts. Logan Allen was also stellar in the finale pitching 6.2 innings (tying a career-high) without giving up a single run.

This series victory officially puts the rest of the American League Central and MLB on notice. Cleveland clearly has a revamped approach at the plate which is resulting in more runs being scored and their pitchers are doing their job on the mound too.