Guardians, Reds Combine For Eight Home Runs

The Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds went back and forth with the long ball in the series opener.

© Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The long ball has been the Cleveland Guardians' Achilles heel all season. They still sit last in baseball in that category by a large margin and adding more pop should be a top priority on the offseason to-do list. 

Still, this lineup can occasionally surprise themselves and their fans and put together a solid game at the plate. Bo Naylor, Kole Calhoun, and Andres Gimenez each had home runs against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday evening showing that there may be hope heading into 2024.

These homers came early on in the game too. The last time Cleveland hit three home runs through the first three innings was back on July 28, 2021, against the St. Louis Cardinals. They went on to win that game 7-2. The Guardians didn't have that same outcome on Tuesday night as they still lost to the Reds by a score of 11-2. 

Typically, when the Guardians hit this many home runs against their opponent they go on to win the game. They were 10-and-1 this season coming into Tuesday when hitting three or more homers in a single game. However, that record now sits at 10-and-2.

It was great to see Cleveland's offense hit some no-doubters but the Reds answered with their own home run barrage too. Luke Maile, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, TJ Friedl, and Elley De La Cruz each added to this game total.

Sep 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Kole Calhoun (56) celebrates his two-run home run with third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports / © David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The most impressive home run of the entire night was Elly's 467-foot rocket coming off of Xzavion Curry in the ninth inning. Even Guardians fans have no choice but to admire how majestic this one was.

Cleveland didn't come out on top, but it would be exciting if the Guardians could put together more offensive games such as this one through the 2024 season.