Series Review: Cleveland Guardians split needed series with Boston Red Sox

The Cleveland Guardians needed the series win over the Boston Red Sox.

It’s a dang shame that the Cleveland Guardians lost to the Boston Red Sox twice in this series. Only six runs separated a 4-0 sweep with the  2-2 split they ended up earning. Now just days before the trade deadline, the Guardians are 50-48 but remain just two back from the Minnesota Twins.

The AL Central is within their grasp but they have got to win more series. Otherwise, they’re looking at falling out of the race very quickly. The team is in a unique place. They could lose their upcoming series to the Tampa Bay Ray, fall under .500, and call it a season by trading off some pieces. They could sweep the Rays, go in on some improvements at the deadline and really push for playoff success, or they could stand pat and see what happens the rest of the year.

All are plausible, but only one is possible.

Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Guardians Series Recap

Game 1 – Red Sox Win (3-1)

Despite out-hitting the Boston Red Sox, the Guardians couldn’t muster more than one run, with Nolan Jones’ hot start sputtering out at the worst time. Zach Plesac has got to start going longer than five innings as well. He’s burning our bullpen too much.

Game 2 – Guardians Win (8-3)

While Bryan Shaw starting and not making it out of the third is a problem, the rotation is a mess so I get it. That said, the bullpen guys did good work, helping the team lock the Red Sox to just three runs, while Nolan Jones had a great 3 RBI day.

Game 3 – Guardians Win  (7-6 )

Josh Naylor once again played late-game-heroics, hitting a go-ahead home run, after Myles Straw tied the game back up the inning before. The win came despite Cal Quantrill having one of his worst outings of the year.

Game 4 – Red Sox Win (4-2)

Triston McKenzie was rolling, but the home run ball that has plagued him all year cost him dearly in the sixth, where he gave up a three-run blast to Xander Bogaerts. The Guardians tried to mount a comeback but they came up short.

Series Standouts

Steven Kwan

6-19, 1 RBI, 2 Runs

Nolan Jones

5-15, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs, 1 Walk

Myles Straw

6-15, 2 RBIs, 1 Run

James Karinchak

2.2 IP, 5 Ks, 0 ER

Kirk McCarty

4.0 IP, 4 Ks

Emmanuel Clase

2.0, 2 Ks, 2 Saves