Ring the Bell: Guardians vs. Nationals Recap 4/14

Despite a slow start to the season, Josh Bell came roaring back to life in spectacular fashion for the Guardians! After struggling at the plate in his first few games, Bell showed his true form with a game-changing home run in the seventh inning against the Nationals. It was a much-needed boost for Bell, who had been in a bit of a slump since joining the team.

With a 5-for-48 start, he knew he had to stay focused and trust in his abilities. And boy, did he deliver when it mattered the most! “It was a game that I needed,” Bell said. “The last few games, I felt like I had been trending in the right direction. Just to see the results that game, it’s definitely just fuel in the fire just to stay the course.” His powerful blast to center field not only pulled the Guardians within striking distance, but it also ignited the team and the fans with excitement.

Pitcher Cal Quantrill expressed confidence in Bell’s abilities, saying, “I think we all know exactly what Josh is capable of and you got a little taste today. I expect more of it.”

Quantrill allowed three runs in six innings while striking out three, and the Guardians got their first run on Josh Naylor’s double-play grounder in the sixth.

In the eighth, Edwards mishandled Andres Giménez’s grounder, resulting in a double by Bell. Brennan then hit a check-swing grounder to shortstop CJ Abrams, who had to settle for the out at first as Washington had its infield in.

James Karinchak worked around a hit batsman to get through the eighth and Emmanuel Clase worked the ninth for his fourth save.

Up next

Guardians: RHP Zach Plesac (0-0, 9.00 ERA), who is coming off allowing two runs in seven innings Sunday against Seattle, takes the ball as the three-game series continues.

Nationals: RHP Chad Kuhl (0-0, 8.10) is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against Cleveland.