Series Review: The Cleveland Guardians sweep the Detroit Tigers and claim first place

The Cleveland Guardians have swept the Detroit Tigers to claim sole possession of first place in the AL Central.

The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins faced two wildly different teams this week, with the Guards taking on and sweeping the Tigerss and the Twins losing the series (and possibly being swpet by the time you read this) by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Due to this, the Guardians are now 1.5 games up in the AL Central, and sit at 59-52 on the year. The Guardians had some solid offensive outings from the offense with Steven Kwan and Andres Gimenez, but Jose Ramirez continues to struggle at the plate, with his batting average falling to .280 on the year.

The bullpen however were the real heroes of the series, with Byran Shaw, James Karinchak and Emmanuel Clase helping bail the Guardians out on several occasions. Especially Shaw, who has not given up a run in four games, and has only allowed three base runners in that span of time.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series review

Game 1 – Guardians Win (5-2)

The Guardians’ win was never in doubt but the Tigers did try to force their way back into the game late, but Shane Bieber and a solid offensive outing kept them at bay.

Game 2 – Guardians Win (3-2)

It took seven pitchers, starting with a returning Aaron Civale and ending with Emmanuel Clase, to stifle the Tigers. Bryan Shaw ended up getting the win to hold off the Tigers in a game where the offense did just enough for the good guys to squeak by.

Game 3 – Guardians Win (4-3)

Zach Plesac had his best outing in weeks, but the offense was slow to start, finally coming on in the 10th and giving hte Guardians a slight 4-3 win.

Series Standouts

Steven Kwan

4-11, 1 RBI, 4 Runs, 3 Walks,

Oscar Gonzalez

5-9, 3 RBI, 1 Run

Andres Gimenez

5-12, 3 Runs

Shane Beiber

7 IP, 8 Ks

James Karinchack

2.0 IP, 5 Ks

Emmanuel Clase

1.1 IP, 2 Ks, 2 Saves

Bryan Shaw

2.0 IP, 4 Ks, 1 Win, 1 Save