Josh Naylor Redeems Himself As Guardians Take Series Over Cubs

Josh Naylor delivered for the Cleveland Guardians in the extra inning as they beat the Chicago Cubs.

Everything was smooth sailing for the Cleveland Guardians in their series finale with the Chicago Cubs. The bats were scoring runs and Aaron Civlae was pitching a great game. That was what until the ninth inning when a couple of miscues by Josh Naylor and the defense allowed the home team back into the game.

The first play that Naylor had trouble with was a hard-hit ball to first by Mike Tauchman. Josh actually made a great diving stop but struggled to get the ball out of his mitt and couldn't flip it to Emmanuel Clase for the out. In Naylor's defense, it was a tough play. But it's also one we've seen him make before.

The next play was a soft ground ball hit to Josh by Nico Hoerner. Instead of just going to first to get out, Naylor tried to throw it second to get the lead runner. However, he bobbled it in the transition and everyone was safe. 

This set up Christopher Morel's two-run single to cut the game to one run.

At this point, it felt like the Guardians had lost all momentum in the game. Cody Bellinger drove in a run which sent the game to the tenth inning tied at six. Extra-inning games on the road are especially difficult to win because of the new runner-on-second-base rule.

But we all know never to count out Josh in these big moments. He's delivered clutch home runs for the Guardians in the past and he's never afraid to have the pressure on him.

With Andres Gimenez and Amed Rosario on second and third, Naylor smacked a ball right back up the middle and gave Cleveland a two-run lead in the tenth.

Nayl'd those go-ahead runs! #ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/auuQ1qo295

— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) July 3, 2023

Sam Hentges then came into the game in the bottom of the tenth and closed out the save. 

Naylor reflected on the roller coaster of emotions after the game. He said:

It is what it is. I mean I gave it my best effort. I tried to make two plays that didn't work out. I feel bad I screwed (Aaron Civale) over and screwed (Emmanuel Clase) over, but I tried to make up for it on the offensive end.

Watching a player overcome adversity as quickly as Naylor did shows a lot about his character. He admits that he made a mistake, but doesn't let it affect his next at-bat and just wants to get the job done. 

That's the type of player anyone should want on their team, All-Star nod or not. 

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Photo Credit © Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports