CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Guardians (23-12) defeated the Detroit Tigers (18-17), 2-1, behind dominant pitching and superstar third baseman Jose Ramirez's record-setting 87th career go-ahead home run in the sixth inning.
Ramirez, 31, tied Larry Doby's franchise record 86 go-ahead home runs on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels. It was the Guardians star's first time hitting home runs in consecutive games since August 26-27, 2023 against the Toronto Blue Jays. He is also four home runs away from passing Earl Averill (226) for fourth-most home runs in club history, as well as three RBI from passing Doby (776) for ninth-most in franchise history.
While Ramirez has similar home run (7) and RBI (27) production, he has had a slow start to the 2024 campaign, hitting .230 at the plate with a .279 on-base percentage, but is hopeful to be turning a corner with his recent power surge.
The Guardians had plenty of help on the bump from their pitchers, as they held the Tiger lineup to just five hits following a first pitch home run from Tigers outfielder Riley Greene.
Guardians starting pitcher Triston McKenzie rebounded well following the home run allowed to Greene, finishing with just two more hits allowed, three walks and six strikeouts in five innings pitched.
"I honestly didn't even think I was gonna get out," McKenzie said following the game. "I think just one pitch you just got to get back in the saddle." McKenzie, 26, has been on a roll lately, allowing two runs or less and striking out at least six batters in his last four starts.
"I think the last start [against the Houston Astros] was the beginning of it," McKenzie said about the rhythm he has been in as of late. "Just being able to go out there and go five [innings] again today. Just putting the team in a good spot to win and holding the zero after giving up a home run on the first pitch was big for me."
Safety in the Pen
The Cleveland Guardians have had tremendous success from the bullpen this season, boasting the second lowest ERA (2.47) in the MLB this season. Two major reasons why are Nick Sandlin and Emmanuel Clase.
Clase, 26, has continued his dominance as one of the league's best closers, tied for the most saves (11) in baseball and allowing just one earned run (0.49 ERA) in 19 appearances in 2024, while striking out 19 of the 62 batters he's faced in 18.1 innings.
Sandlin, 27, has really come into his own this season with 20 strikeouts in 17.2 innings and a 2.04 ERA. The right-hander has taken on a larger role this season from the bullpen and already has the full trust from Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
"He's my pacifier," Vogt said of Sandlin after the game. "[Sandlin], no matter the situation we asked him to pitch, responded and has done great. He's not afraid of anybody [attacking]. He's got weapons to get both [left-handed and right-handed hitters] out."
Disappointing Debut
Guardians top prospect Kyle Manzardo, who was called up earlier on Monday, made his debut for the Guardians with a three strikeout performance. While fans might have been disappointed for the rookie's first day, Vogt had nothing but good things to say about the young slugger.
"It's hard to hit here and it's day one," Vogt said of Manzardo. "He's here. He's earned it. Be yourself. Everybody's gonna have a three strikeout game and, if you haven't, you haven't been here long enough."
Vogt added, "It was fun to have him smiling ear to ear after the game because winning matters here. Your personal stats are important, obviously, but winning is what matters here and he helped contribute to a win tonight."
What's Next
The Guardians will turn to left-hander Logan Allen (3-2, 5.11) to start on Tuesday evening against the Tigers at 6:10 PM. Allen allowed two runs and struck out five batters in six innings in his lone start against the Tigers last season.
The Tigers will counter with right-hander Kenta Maeda (1-1, 5.02) on the mound to start. Maeda, 36, has made three starts against Cleveland in the past three seasons, allowing 14 runs, 13 earned, in 14.2 innings.
Ramirez is four home runs away from passing Earl Averill (226) for fourth-most in club history.
