© Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Gold Glove Defense, Clutch Pitching Lift Guardians Over Twins
The Cleveland Guardians clinch a series victory over the Minnesota Twins in their first matchup of the 2024 season.
The Cleveland Guardians won their first American League Central series as they took the first two games from the Minnesota Twins. As of the end of Saturday’s game, the Guardians are now first in the ALC a week and a half into the 2024 season.
However, that’s not the head storyline when talking about this Cleveland squad.
The organization announced just hours before game two of their series against the Twins that they’d be without their ace Shane Bieber for the rest of 2024. The pitching staff followed that news up with an incredible team performance giving up just one earned run on two hits in a 3-1 victory for the Guards.
Despite the final line, Cleveland did not make it easy on themselves.
Carlos Carrasco only managed to pitch 3.0 innings due to his climbing pitch count. Relievers Nick Sandlin, Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, Scott Barlow, and Tyler Beede didn’t give up a single hit in their five innings of work. Carlos Correa's single in the ninth off Emmanuel Clase was the only other hit for the Twins in the game.
Apr 6, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
However, the relievers did face trouble on the base paths as they combined to walk four batters including three hit by pitches. But they kept the line moving and each reliever helped out one another not allowing a single one of those players to come around and score.
Just like the relievers had each other’s back, so did the defense. Especially the middle infield tandem of Brayan Rocchio and Andres Gimenez. The two teamed up to make some true Gold Glove-level plays.
This win further proved that having a good offense is a key piece to winning games, the runs have to come from somewhere. However, being able to rely on your pitching depth and defense can be the difference maker in a win or loss.
