Saturday was not only a chilly and stormy afternoon-turned-evening for Cleveland, but it proved to be just as aptly descriptive in regards to the Guardians’ results.
Cleveland (10-11) dropped both ends of their traditional doubleheader to the Miami Marlins to see their record fall below .500 since the beginning of the season.
GAME 1
Miami began the day with a 6-1 win over the Guardians, as Cleveland starter Shane Bieber worked around command issues. The Guardians’ ace walked four batters (the most for Bieber since his four against Detroit on May 27, 2021) and allowed three earned runs on four hits.
“I don’t know the last time I had that many walks,” Bieber stated after the game. “Had some ‘fifty-fifty’ shots, and it seems like when you really need them, they maybe don’t go your way. That’s the game of baseball.”
Bieber also allowed a solo home run to Marlins outfielder Bryan De La Cruz in the top of the sixth inning that re-opened Miami’s lead, after the Guardians cut the deficit in half earlier in the game. Bieber described De La Cruz’s homer as “a little bit of a gut shot.”
“That one hurt, but it is what it is, and I’ve got to get better, and get off to a better start.”
The Marlins tagged a pair of second-inning runs on Bieber in a style that resembled the ‘small ball’ the Guardians had been know to operate on since the start of last season. Three consecutive hit-and-run calls resulted in back-to-back singles and an error by Amed Rosario that plated Miami’s scores. The Marlins would then score more runs off Cleveland relievers Nick Sandlin and Tim Herron to extend their advantage.
Running Into Trouble - The Guardians had an early-game opportunity to salvage the score with one out, and runners on second and third base.
After Steven Kwan roped a fly ball to center field, Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm made the catch and fired a throw as Myles Straw sprinted for third.
One problem for Straw: lead baserunner Mike Zunino did not head for home, and the ensuing mix-up led to an 8-2-3-2 putout that ended the inning.
When asked about the occurrence after the game, Guardians manager Terry Francona explained that Cleveland third base coach Mike Sarbaugh held Zunino up at third:
“He’s gotta tag, but ‘Sarby’ held him. Myles just didn’t keep his head up.”
Bell Rings - Josh Bell managed to pick up another RBI - his ninth of the season - with a long double to right field in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring Amed Rosario from first base.
The Guardians’ off-season pickup raised his batting average to .200 at the end of Saturday, going 2-for-7 with a single and a double.
Apr 22, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Zach Plesac (34) fields a bunt against the Miami Marlins in the second inning at Progressive Field.© David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
GAME 2
The night-capper was started by right-gander Zach Plesac, who initially worked his way out of a few early-inning jams to take a 1-0 Guardians lead into the fourth inning.
However, after Miami tied the game in the top of the 4th on a Garrett Hampson RBI double, Plesac was chased in the sixth inning on a failed bunt coverage and another Hampson hit that drove in two runs.
“Some of it is them. Some of it’s probably us right now,” Francona added after the second game.
So Many Southpaws - Cleveland saw more than its usual share of left-handed pitching from the Marlins, as the visitors utilized a pair of southpaw starters for both games: Devin Smeltzer (4.0 innings, three hits, one earned run, one walk, three strikeouts) in Game 1, and Braxton Garrett 5.2 innings, five hits, one earned run, one walk, three strikeouts) in Game 2. Miami also ran lefty relievers Andrew Nardi, Steven Okert (Game 1), Tanner Scott, and A.J. Puk (Game 2).
“Lefties…they’re kind of lining them up for us if they can,” said Francona. “Until we do better, they probably will continue to.”
It seems as if the Marlins shall continue trotting out the dexterously-opposite arms, as Jesus Luzardo is slated to start in Sunday's series finale.
Double (Play) Trouble - The Guardians went 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position in the latter of its twin bill, with a pair of back-to-back double plays being attributors to the team’s eventual loss.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, with runners on first and second with one out, Myles Straw grounded into a frame-ending double play. Later, in the bottom of the eighth, Oscar Gonzalez roped a line drive back into Miami reliever Dylan Floro, who made the catch and threw to first to tag up José Ramírez.
Giving Yourself a Hand - Another key focal point for the contest came in the final at-bat of the game.
With two outs and runners on first and second, Steven Kwan nicked a two-strike pitch down the first-base line and arrived safely at first base, which led to Andres Gimenez rounding third and sprinting for a try at the tying run. However, Puk recovered the ball from catcher Nick Fortes and appeared to make the game-ending tag.
However, after the umpires convened, it was determined that the ball deflected off Kwan’s right hand as he finished his swing, resulting in a foul ball.
It would not be the second chance for a Cleveland victory, however, as Kwan popped out to end the game in a 3-2 final.
“Didn’t help us, but that’s one where you appreciate them getting together, and getting it right,” said Francona on the officials’ call change.
What's Next? - The Guardians can salvage part of their weekend series with Miami in Saturday's finale at Progressive Field (1:40 p.m. start).
Logan Allen is expected to make his major league debut for Cleveland, against the Marlins' Luzardo (2-0, 2.74 earned run average).
