Late offensive spark not enough as Guardians lose to Red Sox

Photo by Charles Murray

Cleveland- The Guardians returned home Tuesday to host the Red Sox in a three-game series. Cleveland coming off a split 4-game series with the Twins.

Shane Bieber, making his 13^th start of the season, was looking to bounce back after his last outing. Bieber gave up a career-high seven earned runs in just four innings against the Orioles.

However, tonight, the 2020 Cy Young winner gave a solid performance going 5.2 innings allowing one run (earned) one walk and fanning one batter.

Offense early

Josh Naylor continued his hot hitting by getting Cleveland on the board in the 1^st. The first baseman doubled scoring Steven Kwan. Naylor was absolutely clutch in the past few series. He gave the Guardians the lead in the 7^th inning on Sunday against the Twins. That go-ahead RBI gives Naylor a total of 15 thus far this season. This leads all of major league baseball.

Josh Bell followed Naylor’s double up with one of his own giving the Guardians an early 2-0 lead.

Dad Pop is a real thing!

Fresh off the paternity list, Josh Bell comes through with a two-out RBI double to give the @CleGuardians a 2-0 lead over the Red Sox.#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/swVRN8SHE4

— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) June 6, 2023

The next few innings were quiet for both teams until the 6^th when Enrique Hernandez singled plating a run. This cut the Guards lead to 2-1.

The situation intensified in the 8th with the bases juiced De Los Santos walked a run in to knot the game at two. Things continued to get worse as the Red Sox tacked on three more runs to put Boston up 5-2.

Guardians answer back but fall short to the Red Sox

Amed Rosario came in to pinch-hit for Mike Zunino in the bottom of the 8th. Rosario delivered a two-out RBI scoring Naylor. Will Brennan then doubled to bring the Guards within one run of tying the game.

Unfortunately, there were not any 9th inning heroics as Cleveland couldn’t muster any more offense.

The Guardians will host the Red Sox Tuesday night for Game 2 of the three-game series.