Game Recap 5/4/24 | Guardians Beat the Angels 7-1

Post-Game Recap

---

3 Things Around The Game

1 – Home Run!

The Guardians scored all seven runs off three home runs from Austin Hedges, Ramon Laureano, and a grand slam from Bo Naylor. 

2 – Lively

Ben Lively had another quality start, going six strong while giving up only one earned, lowering his ERA to 2.08.

3 – Kwan’s hamstring

Steven Kwan exited the game early on Saturday night with a left hamstring tightness.  Kwan caught a fly ball in the top of the third and pulled up after making the catch, favoring his hamstring.  He was pulled in the top of the 4th inning. 

---

Game Summary

On Saturday night, Bo Naylor launched his inaugural career grand slam, while Austin Hedges broke his homer drought since June 14, propelling the Cleveland Guardians to a decisive 7-1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Naylor’s pivotal hit came with two outs in the sixth inning, capitalizing on Angels starter Reid Detmers’ struggles after loading the bases with three walks. The four RBIs marked a personal best for the third-year catcher.

Despite entering the game batting a meager .111 this season, Hedges found his stride with a two-run homer in the second inning. Ramón Laureano contributed a solo shot in the fourth, adding to Cleveland’s offensive dominance. The Guardians, boasting the American League’s second-best record at 21-12, showcased their prowess.

However, Cleveland’s momentum was slightly tempered as Steven Kwan, leading the AL with a .353 batting average, exited the game after the third inning due to left hamstring tightness.

Pitcher Ben Lively (1-1) delivered a solid performance over six innings, conceding only one run on four hits while striking out five. His victory snapped a nine-start winless streak, which included four losses since his last win against Kansas City while pitching for Cincinnati on June 14.

The Angels managed to narrow the gap to 3-1 in the fifth inning, courtesy of a Zach Neto single that brought home Jo Adell. Yet, their hopes were dashed as Ehire Adrianza flew out with the bases loaded, squandering the opportunity. Neto and Adell each notched stolen bases during the inning.

Detmers endured a challenging outing, allowing season-highs of seven runs and three homers in 5 2/3 innings. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe departed in the fifth inning with a right-hand contusion.

Los Angeles continued to struggle in Cleveland, failing to secure consecutive victories or a series win since 2013. They have lost 24 of their last 27 games at Progressive Field, with the Guardians securing a 6-0 victory in the series opener.

For Hedges, the homer marked a significant milestone, ending a 110-plate appearance drought since his last long ball as a member of the Pirates. He concluded last season with the World Series champion Rangers before returning to Cleveland as a free agent.

Meanwhile, Guardians’ first baseman Josh Naylor, grappling with a 4-for-33 slump, was granted a night off. Cleveland is amidst a demanding stretch of 16 games in 16 days, culminating on May 15.

---

UP NEXT

Griffin Canning (1-3, 7.45 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 6.59 ERA) in the series finale Sunday.

.