September 15 – Josh Naylor’s two-RBI single highlighted a three-run sixth performance and newcomer Joey Cantillo pitched five scoreless innings, helping the Cleveland Guardians (Cleveland Guardians) beat the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 6–1 on Saturday night.
After losing the first two games of this four-game series and giving up a combined three runs, the AL Central-leading Guardians (85-64) tied that mark in an inning thanks to two hits on the night. Meanwhile, Cantillo (2-3) pitched 6 2/3 perfect innings against the Chicago White Sox on Monday and allowed three hits and struck out six against the Rays (73-76).
Junior Caminero had three hits and scored two runs against Hunter Gaddis in the eighth inning, which was the Rays’ only run.
Tampa Bay opened the scoring in the fifth inning when Josh Lowe was ruled a safety on Jose Siri’s single to center and was beaten out by Austin Hedges on a pass from Lane Thomas. However, the Guardians challenged the decision and it was eventually overturned.
After half an inning, the Rays’ poor defense put Cleveland ahead 1-0. Tyler Alexander (6-5), after allowing only one hit in the first two innings to Drew Rasmussen, was hit wildly by Andres Jimenez, the second pitcher of the night, and ended up at second base. Jhonsensi Noel then made up for a defensive error by third baseman Caminero. Rays right fielder Johnny Deluca’s failed attempt at a flop on Brian Rocchio’s inside line led to a triple by the Guardians’ shortstop, even though Noel was thrown out at home plate to end the game.
Cleveland opened the innings in Game 6 against Alexander, who walked Angel Martinez, allowed two runs to Thomas and intentionally walked Jose Ramirez. Then, with the infield down, Naylor hit a single to right-center field and two runs scored. David Fry followed with a sacrifice fly for the Guardians, who also hit back-to-back solo home runs from Thomas and Jose Ramirez in the eighth inning.
The Guardians played their second consecutive game without All-Star Steven Cowan, who is dealing with a back problem.
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