Series Review: Guardians take Blue Jays series behind Franmil Reyes’ best series yet

The Guardians took the series from the Blue Jays with monster help from Franmil Reyes.

The Cleveland Guardians looked good against the Blue Jays, part of that was Franmil Reyes’ big series. To be clear, I like Reyes, but I’m not blind. When a player is struggling as bad as Reyes is, it’s not out of the line to wonder about his viability. My concerns aren’t gone, either, just because he feasted on mediocre Blue Jays pitching. That said, credit where it’s due, Reyes had a good series. He’s still got too many strikeouts to be a viable cleanup hitter, and having him lower in the lineup is certainly helping him and the team produce. So that’s where he should remain.

Yet, he only just recorded his first game of the season without registering a strikeout. It took 27 games, and that’s a concern. He’s where he should be, and hopefully, both he and the team can continue with some offensive consistency going forward.

Bryan Shaw continues to prove he never should’ve not been a Guardian, pitching in three of the four games and slamming the door shut. Emmanuel Clase proves the Guardians usually get trades right, as he followed Shaw in appearances. One has to wonder, what is Corey Kluber up to?

Steven Kwan had a great series in production, even if not in averages. He had four RBIs, four runs, and hit his first career home run. It was also great to see Aaron Civale and Triston McKenzie have the starts they did. All in all a great series.

Guardians climb over Blue Jays to get back to .500

Game 1 – Guardians W (6-5)

The Guardians took a 6-2 lead in the 5th but saw the Blue Jays claw their back to a 6-5 deficit. The Guards held on thanks to a big game from Franmil Reyes who had three hits, and Steven Kwan, who hit his first major league home run.

Game 2- Blue Jays W (8-3)

Shane Bieber was uncharacteristically off against the Blue Jays in the first of a two-game doubleheader. The lack of spring training has really affected the Guards’ pitching, and if it wasn’t for the offense, this team may be way worse off.

Game 3 – Guardiasn W (8-2)

Owen Miller had a big game, going 2-3 with two RBIs, helping the Guards tag eight on the Blue Jays. Reyes has continued his strong series with two hits and a home run in game two of the double-header. Triston McKenzie continues to build his case for an early Cy Young Award favorite. Emmanuel Clase and Bryan Shaw helped close the door in the later innings.

Game 4 – Guardians W (4-3)

The Guardians ended the series like it started, in a close affair. Franmil Reyes continued to feed on Blue Jays pitchers, and this is the first game in the season he didn’t record a single strikeout. Owen Miller hit a home run, and Konnor Pilkington and Eli Morgan combined for seven strong innings.

Players of the Series

Franmil Reyes

9-14, 3 RBI, 3 runs, 1 walk, 4 strikeouts

Steven Kwan

4-15, 4 RBI, 4 runs, 3 walks

Andres Gimenez

5-11, 2 RBI, 1 Walk

Aaron Civale

5.2 IP, 8 K, 4 runs

Triston McKenzie

6.0 IP, 6 K, 4 hits, two earned runs

Emmanuel Clase

3.0 3 K, 2 saves

Bryan Shaw

3.0, 1 K, 1 Win