News and Notes: Jhonkensy Noel Sends Ball to Moon, Guardians to Win vs. Pirates

News and Notes for Saturday, August 30th, 2024

Just when the wind had left the Guardians’ sails against the Pirates, Jhonkensy Noel provided the gust of a mighty swat to propel them to a 10-8 victory.

111.5 mph and 450 feet later, the Guardians retook the lead they’d surrendered in the top of the same inning and they wouldn’t look back.

Brayan Rocchio made some poor plays that didn’t result in errors (choosing to try for second base when the play was at first, making poor relay throws, etc) and was a big part of why Ben Lively ended up giving up six runs in the fifth, losing the 4-0 lead to which the Guardians had staked him. But, it was great to see the team respond to that punch in the mouth by immediately getting back up off the mat, started, of course, by a Jose Ramirez single and stolen base. Jose got two steals in the game and is six away from 40 steals, now. 33 homers, 34 steals... let’s see if he can join the illustrious 40-40 club with 27 games left.

David Fry had two hits, Steven Kwan had two hits and a walk, Gimenez had three hits, Lane Thomas had a hit and a walk, and Josh Naylor had three hits, but twisted his ankle in the 8th inning. Stephen Vogt said it didn’t appear to be anything serious or involving structural damage, but we’ll have to see how it pans out. It was a good night for the Guardians’ offense.

Emmanuel Clase set the franchise record in saves, despite allowing the rarest of things for him - a leadoff homer in the ninth to Andrew McCutchen. Cutch and Jake Burger - baseball gods of hitting, I guess.

Check out the latest Disgusting Baseball Podcast where Nicole and I discuss the highlights of the season so far.

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The Royals lost and the Twins won.