In the opener of a split doubleheader on Tuesday, the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-5, thanks to Brayan Rocchio’s crucial safety squeeze that brought home Chase DeLauter in the eighth inning.
Event Context
The Guardians ended their season-long five-game losing streak in a recent matchup. This game served as a rescheduled event following the postponement of Monday’s game due to inclement weather.
The second game of the series is set to begin at 7:10 p.m. ET. The Guardians are slated to put right-hander Gavin Williams on the mound, while the Reds are expected to utilize a bullpen strategy.
Team Analysis
In the eighth inning, DeLauter ignited the winning sequence with a single and advanced to third base thanks to a hit from Travis Bazzana. Rocchio then executed a flawless bunt toward first base.
Colin Holderman secured the victory with a flawless seventh inning, while Sam Moll was charged with the loss for the Reds.
Cade Smith achieved his major league-leading 30th save by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
Reds pitcher Chase Burns allowed five hits and five runs, only one of which was earned, over five innings, walking two and striking out four while throwing 89 pitches. Notably, Burns has completed at least five innings in all his starts this season.
On the other side, Guardians starter Slade Cecconi surrendered four runs on seven hits in four-plus innings, with one walk and two strikeouts, using 84 pitches.
The Guardians took an early advantage against Burns in the first inning. Jose Ramirez began with a single, followed by DeLauter’s reach on an error. Bazzana then loaded the bases by drawing a walk.
Although Kyle Manzardo appeared to be hit by a pitch that would have given Cleveland a 1-0 lead, the Reds challenged the call, resulting in an overturn. Manzardo ultimately punished Cincinnati by hitting a grand slam to right field, establishing a 4-0 lead for the Guardians.
In the third inning, Sal Stewart hit a home run, putting the Reds on the scoreboard, and by the fourth inning, Cincinnati took control with four runs. Nathaniel Lowe and Tyler Stephenson started the rally with consecutive doubles, making it 4-2.
Edwin Arroyo brought Stephenson home with a single, and Elly De La Cruz extended the inning by reaching on an infield single. Stewart’s soft single to left field then scored Arroyo, with De La Cruz sprinting from first base to cross the plate, giving the Reds a 5-4 lead.
Jose Ramirez nearly equalized on his own in the fifth by singling, stealing both second and third base, and then scoring on a sacrifice fly from DeLauter.
Field Level Media
