Boyd and Cobb with impressive outings as Guardians sweep Cubs

Photo by Charles Murray

Cleveland- The Cleveland Guardians maintain the best record in the majors (72-49) after sweeping a three-game series over the Cubs. The team returned from Minnesota taking two from the Twins and ending their season-long seven game losing streak.

Cleveland kept their foot on the gas with offensive power and most importantly solid outings from Matthew Boyd and Alex Cobb. This pitching duo needs to provide results for the Guardians if they are going to make a strong run at the latter part of the season.

Boyd had not made a major league start in over 400 days  since undergoing Tommy John surgery.  He signed a one-year deal wlth the Guardians on June 29. Although he didn’t factor in the win he tossed a one-run outing in his Cleveland debut. Boyd pitched  5.1 innings, allowing three hits, one run and struck out six batters. His outing consisted of 80 pitches and he did not allow a walk.

 

 

Welcome to Cleveland, Matthew Boyd. 🫡#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/GMhdHMIrMv

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 14, 2024

Alex Cobb made his second start for the Guardians and his first at Progressive Field. Earning his first win with Cleveland Cobb went 5.2 innings giving up one run on three hits and fanning three batters.

The Guardians acquired Cobb on July 30 from San Francisco. The 2023 All-Star pitcher had offseason surgery on his left hip. Cobb’s first MLB start since his surgery was in his Cleveland debut against Minnesota last Friday. He shouldered the loss in that outing.

Both Cobb and Boyd are significant pieces to the Guardians postseason hopes. The pitching rotation for Cleveland is hinging on two hurlers coming back from injury. The initial feeling is that of optimism.

Hot bats

 

Josh Naylor -is hitting .303 (20-for-66) with 4 home runs and 17 RBI in his last 18 games.

Will Brennan – he’s hit safely in each of his last 6 games since being recalled from AAA Columbus, posting a .381 average with 2 RBI.

Jose Ramirez – since July 29, he’s batting .350 with 7 home runs and 16 RBI, logging an RBI in 10 of 16 games during that stretch with a total of 98 RBI on the season.

The season long losing streak is a distant memory to the team as they forge full steam ahead. As the players have said all year, “Work hard and have fun” – that appears to be the formula for success.