Three Highlights From Guardians Sweep Over Athletics

Andres Gimenez, Bo Naylor, and Josh Bell all stood out as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Oakland Athletics.

Tommy Wild | Jun 22, 2023

Three Highlights From Guardians Sweep Over Athletics /

In this story:

The Cleveland Guardians had a rough road trip last week and went 2-6 against the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamonds. However, they returned to Progressive Field looking to get back on track.

Their first opponent during the homestand was the Oakland Athletics who have been one of the bottom teams in MLB all season. Cleveland did not hold back and they completed the three-game sweep of the A's.

This is the first time that the Guardians have swept a team all season and there were a number of highlights from each game and the series as a whole.

Andres Gimenez Walk-Off

The series started off with a nail-biter that wrapped up in extra innings and a walk-off winner.

Andres Gimenez has had his offensive struggles this season as he's hitting just .241/.305/.674 this season after signing a mega contract extension. That didn't matter here and he finished the game with a base hit off Trevor May.

We love our beautiful second baseman, Andrés Giménez!#ForTheLand | #GuardiWWins pic.twitter.com/sNhjDdC2pT
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 21, 2023

Bo Naylor First Career Hit

It's been a long time coming for Bo Naylor. He was called up at the end of last season, as the 27th man in a doubleheader earlier this year, but now he's here to stay. Naylor was still searching for that first Big League hit through his first 19 MLB at-bats, but he finally got it.

Bo took a pitch the opposite way which found grass. He hugged Sandy Alamomar Jr. at first base as his brother, Josh Naylor, jumped for joy with a few tears coming out too.

This isn't one of the best moments in this series but could be one of the best all season.

You never forget your first.

Big bro approves. 🥲#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/VRoC9bekVV
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 22, 2023

Josh Bell Home Run

The Guardians signed Josh Bell primarily for the power he brings to the plate. He'd only hit six home runs coming into Thursday's game, but he reminded everyone how hard he can hit a ball.

Bell rocked a solo shot so far it hit the walkway on the Home Run Porch at Progressive Feild. Baseball Savant clocked the exit velo at 108.1 and 430 feet.