In his first start for the Guardians, Noah Syndergaard went 5 1/3 innings and had a nice game, only giving up one run. Syndergaard did have to leave the game early after having a line drive go off of his calf.
Sadly, Cleveland could not hold the 2-1 lead as the bullpen gave up six runs over 2 2/3 innings. Eli Morgan was the main culprit tonight as he struggled to find the strike zone giving up a 3-run home run to Yordan Alverez.
Gabriel Arias had a good night at the plate going 3 for 4 on Monday, and he has eight hits in his last 18 at-bats.
On Monday night, Yordan Alvarez made a significant impact with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, propelling Houston to victory after Noah Syndergaard’s unfortunate exit from his Cleveland debut due to injury. The Astros defeated the Guardians 7-3 in the game.
J.P. France demonstrated his pitching prowess, throwing seven strong innings for Houston, bringing them within a half-game of the idle AL West-leading Texas.
Meanwhile, Cleveland found themselves one game under .500 and one game behind first-place Minnesota in the relatively weaker AL Central. Earlier on Monday, the Guardians made a trade, sending starting pitcher Aaron Civale to Tampa Bay in exchange for a minor-league outfield prospect.
Syndergaard, who had been acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers the previous week, had been pitching remarkably well, allowing just two hits and helping Cleveland take a 2-0 lead. However, his fate took a turn when he walked Jose Altuve to start the sixth inning.
Following Altuve’s stolen base, Jeremy Peña hit a ball that unfortunately struck Syndergaard’s lower right leg. Although he managed to get the out at first, the manager and trainer had to attend to him, and he was subsequently removed from the game.
Eli Morgan took over for Syndergaard (4-2) and conceded a run, as Kyle Tucker singled to bring Altuve home, cutting the lead to 2-1. With Alex Bregman walking, the stage was set for Yordan Alvarez to shine, and he didn’t disappoint. Hitting his 19th homer into the right field seats, Alvarez put the Astros ahead 4-2.
Notably, Alvarez has been performing excellently since returning from an oblique injury that had sidelined him for about six weeks. In his last five games, he has recorded seven hits, including two homers and a double, resulting in four RBIs.
J.P. France (7-3) continued his impressive form, yielding just two runs on seven hits in seven innings, securing his fifth consecutive win.
In the ninth inning, the Guardians had a chance to rally as they loaded the bases against Ryne Stanek with no outs. However, closer Ryan Pressly took charge and struck out Myles Straw, while Cleveland managed to score one run on a sacrifice fly by Steven Kwan, making it 7-3.
The game ended with Andrés Giménez grounding out, giving Pressly his 25th save.
Unfortunately for Syndergaard, he remained winless since April 30, allowing one run on two hits in 5 1/3 innings. His recent appearance had been delayed due to a blister on his right index finger, which had landed him on the injured list.
Early in the game, the Astros had a scoring opportunity with runners on second and third with just one out in the first inning. However, Syndergaard demonstrated his composure and skill, retiring Bregman and Alvarez to escape the threat.
In the second inning, Syndergaard walked José Abreu but managed to face the minimum batters in that inning thanks to a timely double play. He continued his dominance through the next three innings.
Cal Quantrill (right shoulder inflammation) is scheduled to face live hitters at the end of the week and could begin a rehabilitation assignment soon after that.
Tue 8/1 8:10 PM EST – Game 2 of 3 at Houston Astros
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