Series Review: Cleveland Guardians prove they’re for real with key series win over Tampa Bay Rays

The Cleveland Guardians proved they’re in the playoff race with a series win over Tampa Bay Rays.

The Tampa Bay Rays series was always going to be super important due to the fact that the trade deadline is just a day and a half after the series ended. If the Cleveland Guardians lost the series or got swept, you could argue that they should be sellers, or at least stand pat. Yet, if the Guardians won, then it may be a sign that they’re in fact ready to compete.

Now, I’m not suggesting they give up their minor league prospects for Juan Soto, but there are a few bits and bobs that the Guardians can acquire without destroying their long-term future. The Guardians have not lost in five series, and are only one game back from the Minnesota Twins for the AL Central title.

The best part about this is that yes, The Guards have to deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and Houston Astros, but beyond them, yo have the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers (twice), the Chicago White Sox (twice), the Minnesota Twins (twice), the Kansas City Royales (twice), the Los Angeles Angels, and the Texas Rangers.

Those are all huge and very winnable series.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Tampa Bay Rays series review

Game 1 – Guardians Win (4-1)

Shane Bieber looked like the Shane Bieber of old with his eight-strikeout performance. Backed by a three-run game by Jose Ramirez, the Guardians strolled to a 4-1 win, with the Rays not scoring a run after the first inning.

Game 2 – Rays Win (6-4)

Zach Plesac continues to be inconsistent, with the starter giving up five runs in his start against Tampa. The Guardians attempted a comeback but fell short.

Game 3 – Guardians (5-3)

The bullpen once again gets the win behind Bryan Shaw’s start but it was Kirk McCarty, who again followed Shaw, who stood out the most. Little heralded Austin Hedges and Myles Straw were key in getting a come-from-behind win, taking the series.

Series Standout

Steven Kwan

5-15, 2 Runs

Jose Ramirez

5-14, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 Runs

Andres Gimenez

3-12, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 Runs, 1 Walk

Shane Beiber

7.0 IP, 8 Ks

Emmanuel Clase

1.0 IP 2Ks, 2 Saves

Trevor Stephan

2.0 IP, 4 Ks

Kirk McCarty

3.1 IP, 2 Ks