Series Review: The Cleveland Guardians extend AL Central lead with series win

The Cleveland Guardians were able to get a much-needed series win against the Kansas City Royals.

The Cleveland Guardians needed this series win against the Kansas City Royals to stay in first place in the AL Central. The Guards had been slumping badly heading into the weekday matchup but their ability to take two of three in Missouri helped stave off the Minnesota Twins.

Concerns over the hitting are still there, as the team lacks any real firepower to help score runs, but the constant contact will eventually pay off to some degree. The problem is that a lot of guys aren’t stringing together hits in the same at-bats, causing guys to be left on base. With more consistent home run hitting, you can drive those guys in a bit more often, as instead of a single that advances the runners, the home run would clear the bases.

The problem still comes down to consistency, which is what has plagued them over this slump. It’s similar to what we’ve seen from past squads that lacked a lot of power but this is far more isolated as opposed to season-long issues like we’re accustomed to.

The Guardians don’t have any big home run hitters to call up so the only thing they can do is keep grinding and hope that their fortunes turn around. If it doesn’t happen soon, however, the Guards may lose their footing in the AL Central, as they start a five-game series against the Twins this week that will likely decide the division.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City series review

Game 1 – Guardians Win (6-5)

A blown lead in the 8th didn’t hold the Guardians back as they rallied in the top of the 10th to take the lead behind some clutch hitting by Oscar Gonzalez.

Game 2 – Guardians Win (4-1)

Shane Bieber and James Karinchack held the Kansas City Royales in check all game, with Jose Ramirez, Myles Straw and Owen Miller combining for some timely hits.

Game 3 – Royals Win (2-1)

A one-run-lead isn’t much to work with but that’s why closers are seen as the best relievers on the team, so Emmanuel Clase blowing his third game of the year isn’t great. The Guardians once again get a bunch of hits but very little payoff.

Series Standouts

Oscar Gonzalez

5-12, 2 RBIs, 2 Runs, 1 Walk

Andres Gimenez

6-12, 2 runs

Myles Straw

5-12, 2 RBIs, 1 run

Shane Bieber

8.0 IP, 7 Ks, 4 hits, 1 ER