Cleveland loses series to Chicago as team struggles continue

Photo by Charles Murray

Cleveland- Wednesday afternoon Cleveland looking to take the series from Chicago, fell 6-0.The Guardians have dropped three straight series for the second time this season. The shutout marks the sixth for the club thus far this year. The woes continue for both the offense and pitching.

Cal Quantrill was on the mound for the Guardians. The right-hander gave up six runs through four innings – all earned. Quantrill has been one of Cleveland’s most consistent hurlers boasting 21 team wins in his last 25 starts. However, he recorded his shortest outing of the season Wednesday.

Chicago’s Tim Anderson got the White Sox on the board early in the bottom of the 2nd with an RBI single. Being down one run didn’t seem too bad at the time however the White Sox were just warming up.

The top of the 4th inning the wheels came off. Quantrill issued a pair of walks and a wild pitch. Add in a single, a double and a sac fly quickly putting Chicago up 6-0 against Cleveland. The five-run inning marked the end of the day for Quantrill. He had not allowed six runs or more since June of 2021.

Cleveland’s starter rode an impressive 14-win streak at Progressive Field. However, he has lost three of his last five starts at home this year.

Cleveland bullpen relieves

Eli Morgan came in for Quantrill. Morgan struck out three consecutive batters in the 6th. Thus making him the sixth Cleveland reliever to strike out the side this season. He went two innings without giving up a hit.

The rest of the pen did an excellent job not allowing Chicago to do any additional damage. Three relievers each worked an inning none of them allowing a hit. Including Nick Sandlin who recorded a strikeout in his hitless inning.

Sam Hentges followed by James Karinchak finished off the game for the Guardians. They held Chicago’s bats at bay yet Cleveland’s offense didn’t have an answer.

Skipper, Terry Francona spoke after the game in regards to the current struggles of the team. When asked if he felt tested he had this to say:

“I think we’re all getting tested and I believe we’re tough enough to fight through this…but we’re gonna find out cause we are getting tested…all of us.” Francona added how his experience has shown him ways to get through tough times “Work hard, pay attention to detail…all the things we’ve talked about since the first day of spring training.” He ended with “When it gets hard that’s when you really find out. We’re gonna have to dig deep.”

There’s not one thing that can be pinpointed as the cause of the team’s rough patch. It seems as if they’re lacking the grit they showed so much of last season. As Francona said they’re going to have to dig deep and he is the man you want at the helm to make that happen.

The guys have a much needed day off on Thursday. Memorial Day weekend Cleveland will host St. Louis. Friday’s first pitch is 7:10.