News and Notes - Guardians Sweep the Reds

José Ramírez inches closer and closer to a career and historic season after Guardians 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cleveland Guardians have clinched the first round bye and now get to have some fun. Stephen Vogt and the players have made it abundantly clear that they still intend to play competitive baseball for the remaining games. How much more competitive can you get with a bullpen game utilizing the best bullpen in the league.

Andrew Walters, Erik Sabrowski, Cade Smith, and Eli Morgan were throwing a combined perfect game going into the 7th inning. With lefty Tim Herrin on, TJ Friedl broke up the perfect bid (which would have been the first combined perfect game in major league history) with a bunt single. The inning got away from Herrin a bit after the hit. A throwing error to 1B in a pickoff attempt allowed Friedl to advance to 2nd. A throwing error from Andrés Giménez allowed Friedl to score.

Hunter Gaddis came in to pitch the 8th. After a fly out for out number one, Gaddis gave up a double to Jake Fraley. Fraley would then score on the next at bat due to a fielding error by the center fielder Lane Thomas. Gaddis got out of the inning, handing things off to Emmanuel Clase in the top of the 9th. Clase also had a rare outing. With two walks and a single, Clase found himself with the bases loaded and no outs. After some conversation with both catcher Bo Naylor and pitching coach Carl Willis, Clase returned right back to form. I’m not sure how many different ways you can describe what Clase is capable of, but a 103 mph Cutter and a 95 mph Slider is absurd. When Clase throws like that you cannot help but wonder if we truly have seen Clase at 100% full strength. With this save, Emmanuel Clase surpassed the franchise record for most saves in a single season.

Steven Kwan came back today.

In the bottom of the 4th José Ramírez hit a triple that was just shy of a home run. José was rewarded for his hustle and was brought home by Josh Naylor to put the Guards up 2-0.

In the bottom of the 6th, José hit a double but the team wasn’t able to capitalize on it this time. In the bottom of the 8th, the Reds sent Emilio Pagán to the mound. It was looking like Pagán was going to escape this encounter with Cleveland unscathed. However, with two outs, the Guardians started a rally. Steven Kwan hit a single and then advanced to 2nd as Kyle Manzardo hit a single of his own. Stephen Vogt turned to Angel Martínez to pinch run for Manzardo. A move that would be rendered moot upon José Ramírez stepping up to the plate. Pagán threw a 93.7 mph four-seamer over the plate to José Ramírez. José launched that ball nearly to the 2nd deck at Progressive. 417 ft, 106.1 mph, with a launch angle of 32 degrees.

After tonight’s incredible showing, José Ramírez finds himself on the brink of history with 3 games left in the season.

For those of you who don’t listen to the Disgusting Baseball Podcast, I am a relatively new baseball fan, having gone to my very first game in 2018. José Ramírez has made me feel incredibly lucky that I started watching baseball. To witness a player like José find success in a year where many thought would mark the twilight of his career has been, in short, astounding. Even if he doesn’t reach 40 home runs and 40 doubles, watching him achieve what he has in a Cleveland uniform will always be special.

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Cleveland Guardians News

To make room for Steven Kwan, Myles Straw was optioned to Columbus.

GuardsInsider on X has the list of Guardians prospects who will be making an appearance in the Arizona Fall League.

Around the League

Mariners beat the Astros 8 to 1. Loss goes to Kikuchi.

Tigers stomped the Rays 7 to 1.

Royals beat the Nationals 3 to 0.

Orioles beat the Yankees 9 to 7.

Twins beat the Marlins 8 to 3.

With a walk-off, the White Sox beat the Angels 4-3 in extras. All of the AL Central won their games today!