News and Notes: Guardians Win Another Series Opener, But This Time in Canada!

News and Notes for Saturday, June 15th, 2024

The Guardians won 3-1 in Toronto to kick off a three-game series on Friday night.

I found it interesting that Bo Naylor got the start at DH over Kyle Manzardo, with Kevin Gausman having an FIP .16 higher against LHP this year. I think Vogt is trying to figure out how to get two, young, learning lefty hitters the at-bats they need to find their stroke without hurting the team. But, was it coincidental that Juan Brito got his second start at first base last night? I don’t know. If it were me, I’d be trying to make sure Manzardo plays five times a week.

Newcomer Daniel Schneemann continued to impress with a 98 mph double to score Will Brennan (who had doubled on a 101.7 mph hit) in the 2nd inning. Meanwhile, Logan Allen was handling himself with aplomb, allowing one run on three hits and three walks and three strikeouts. Anecdotally, it looked like the difference was Allen being able locate his fastball on the inside part of the plate.

Will Brennan followed up with an opposite field homer to give the Guardians a 2-0 lead in the third, continuing the streak of every player I begin to think of demoting going off for my team in a big spot. In the fifth, Brayan Rocchio doubled and Andres Gimenez drove him in with an RBI single.

That was enough, again, despite a little bit of a down game for Jose Ramirez, because the Guardians otherworldly bullpen sauntered in and let the Blue Jays know there would be no comeback tonight. Cade Smith, Scott Barlow, Sam Hentges, Hunter Gaddis and Emmanuel Clase went four innings, struck out five, walked one, and didn’t allow a single hit. Clase absolutely pantsed Vladimar Guerrero in the ninth.

Around MLB:

The Royals and Tigers lost, and the Twins beat the Athletics in extras.

Perfect Pat Hoberg was somehow involved in a gambling scandal which is why he hasn’t umped for MLB this year.