Guardians Split Doubleheader With Tigers As Offense Comes Through Late

Brayan Rocchio and Will Brennan give the Cleveland Guardians a lead late in game two to split the doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers.

Tommy Wild | Aug 18, 2023

Guardians Split Doubleheader With Tigers As Offense Comes Through Late /

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Cleveland Guardians

The bats for the Cleveland Guardians were nonexistent through the first 16 innings of Friday's doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers. Thankfully, the offense broke out of their slump late in game two.

Let's start with game one though.

Gavin Williams uncharacteristically gave up three early runs, including a homer, in the top half of the first innings which gave the Tigers an early lead. The Guardians struck right back with an RBI single from Oscar Gonzalez which scored Jose Ramirez.

However, Cleveland only had three more base runners the entire game until Steven Kwan hit a pinch-hit triple in the ninth innings. He came around to score Cleveland's second run of the afternoon, but it wasn't enough to mount a comeback and the team dropped game one.

Game two started the same way game one went. Cleveland's offense just couldn't find a groove against Detroit's left-handed pitching. Joey Wentz pitched 5.0 shut innings against the Guardians and only gave up four hits.

The Guardians still had zero runs on the board until the eighth inning. Andres Gimeenz started off the inning with a leadoff walk and Kole Calhoun got on base with a walk of his own.

That brought Brayan Rocchio to the plate who was 0-for-6 on the day heading into the at-bat but didn't let that affect his approach. He ripped a line drive to center field which tied the game.

Will Brennan was the next man up and gave the Guardians the lead with a two-run RBI double. Finally, Gabriel Arias went the opposite way with a ball to right field which scored Brennan.

And we are tied!!#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/Sv3WFAdwSt
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) August 19, 2023

Cleveland had been waiting for an inning like this all day and it came at the perfect time. The Guardians would go on to win the game behind Emannuel Clase's 100th career save.

Xzavion Curry also deserves a ton of credit for this win. He pitched 6.0 IP and struck out six batters. He gave up one run which was due to Brennan and Gonzalez losing a ball in right field and letting it drop.

Once again Curry shows there are four solid rookies in this Guardians rotation.

Cleveland and Detroit will be back in action on Saturday afternoon as Tanner Bibee looks to help the Guardians to a series lead over the Tigers.

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Published Aug 18, 2023

TOMMY WILD