Lucas Giolito was masterful on Friday night, going seven shutout innings and giving up only two hits.
The Guardian’s lack of power has been a storyline throughout the 2023 season, but not on Friday night. Cleveland hit three home runs with Andres Gimenez starting it off followed by Ramon Laureano and in the 8th a blast by Kole Calhoun.
Josh Naylor had a big night going 4 for 5 with three RBIs and a run scored.
In an impressive performance, Lucas Giolito delivered a season-best with 12 strikeouts in seven flawless innings. Josh Naylor and Andrés Giménez both contributed three RBIs each as the Cleveland Guardians dominated the Texas Rangers with a 12-3 victory on Friday night.
Texas, previously on a six-game winning streak, saw their streak come to an end. They currently occupy the second AL wild-card spot and hold the second position in the West. In the West division, the Houston Astros hold first place, while the Seattle Mariners sit in third, just 1 1/2 games behind.
Giolito (8-13), acquired via waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on August 31st, was outstanding, surrendering just two hits and one walk in 100 pitches. Prior to this game, the right-hander had suffered defeats in his previous five starts and held a disappointing 1-8 record with a 6.99 ERA in 12 appearances spanning his time with the White Sox, Los Angeles, and Cleveland since July 4th.
Naylor equaled his career-high with four hits, and Giménez launched a two-run home run against right-hander Jon Gray (8-8), who struggled, allowing three runs in just 3 2/3 innings. Gray has been winless in his last six starts since August 11th.
Texas managed to get on the scoreboard in the ninth inning when Sam Huff hit a home run off Eli Morgan. In an unusual turn of events, backup catcher Austin Hedges, who pitched the eighth inning, also contributed with a two-run single.
Ramón Laureano, who scored three runs and reached base five times, added a solo home run, and Kole Calhoun delivered a two-run shot. The sixth inning proved pivotal for Cleveland as they scored five runs off Andrew Heaney to establish a commanding 9-0 lead. José Ramírez and Naylor both contributed with RBI doubles in that eventful inning.
Shane Bieber (right elbow inflammation) will make his next rehab start Sunday for Triple-A Columbus, while Triston McKenzie (right elbow sprain) pitches for the Clippers on Tuesday. Both starters are on track to be activated next week.
Up Next
Rangers RHP Dane Dunning (10-6, 3.91 ERA) faces Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (10-4, 3.03 ERA). Bibee is second among AL rookies with 137 strikeouts and sits one win behind co-leaders Hunter Brown and J.P. France of Houston.
Saturday 9/16 6:10 PM EST – Game 2 vs. Texas Rangers
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