CLEVELAND, OH - The temperatures were cold. The winds were brisk. The Cleveland Guardians (17-7) couldn't get much going on the mound or at the plate in their 8-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox (14-11).
Guardians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 4.63) gave up three home runs in five innings pitched. He also allowed nine hits, a walk and five runs, while striking out four Red Sox hitters.
Red Sox hitters were having a field day at the plate, notching 16 hits throughout the day, but no one had more success than Red Sox catcher Connor Wong, who had his third career four-hit game. He also has four home runs this season against the Guardians in five games, including his two home runs in Wednesday night's win.
Despite all of the hits and runs scored, the Red Sox did most of their damage early in the count with 27 of their at-bats taking four or fewer pitches, including all three home runs.
Keeping it 200
Carrasco joined an exclusive club in franchise history when he took the mound on Wednesday evening as the right-hander made his 200th start for the franchise, the 14th pitcher to do so in franchise history.
He became the first pitcher since Corey Kluber in 2019 to join the 200 start club for the franchise. The start for Carrasco also was his 100th at Progressive Field, fourth most in franchise history. He only trails CC Sabathia (125), Charlie Nagy (109), and Corey Kluber (104) for most starts at Progressive Field.
Shiny New Toy
On April 17th, the Cleveland Guardians traded for San Diego Padres pitcher Pedro Avila in exchange for cash considerations. One week later, Avila made his debut for the Guardians out of the bullpen against the Red Sox.
Avila, 27, threw 45 pitches in three innings of relief work on Wednesday, striking out two Red Sox hitters and allowing five hits and two runs. The right-handed pitcher has made 22 appearances and eight starts across five seasons.
What's Next?
The Cleveland Guardians will face the Boston Red Sox for the final time in the 2024 regular season at 1:10 PM at Progressive Field. Right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie (2-2, 5.00) will start for the Guardians.

