We are at the point in the season where every loss feels like ten losses and every win is critical for what little remains of playoff hopes.
The Guardians took on the Red Sox for game two of the three game series with Slade Cecconi taking the mound. Jhonkensy Noel got his revenge on Pesky’s Pole after last nights unfortunate home run with a 355ft Pesky homer
of his own to put Cleveland on the board first.The Red Sox quickly bounced back against Cecconi with a multi-run third inning. Slade allowed
a two doubles and four singles to put the Red Sox up 4-1. In the bottom of the third a solo home run from Nathaniel Lowe gave Boston a four run lead and made Cleveland’s hopes look dire.
The Guards fought back though. In the top of the sixth, all nine batters saw the batters box. Austin Hedges hit a 381ft lead off home run over the green monster to set the tone for the inning. With one out, Angel Martínez singled to left. With two outs, David Fry hit his own home run, a two run affair, 376ft over the green monster. Kyle Manzardo and Jhonkensy Noel slapped singles of their own, setting up Brayan Rocchio for a three-run home run, also over the green monster. The Guardians were finally retired, leading 7-5.
In the bottom of the sixth, Slade gave up a one-out double then a two-run home run. This would, understandably, get him the hook. Cecconi finished the night having gone 5.1IP, 11H, 7R/ER, 0BB, and 8Ks. Nic Enright replaced Cecconi, allowing a single before retiring the side with the help of Brayan Rocchio. Tim Herrin started the seventh inning and went 0.2IP with 1H and 1K. Hunter Gaddis replaced Herrin with two outs and a runner on for the matchup. Gaddis retired the side with a strike out on Romy Gonzalez. In the bottom of the eighth, Gaddis returned for the first two outs after allowing a lead off single. Cade Smith came in, looking to retire the side. Unfortunately the Red Sox had other plans. Back-to-back singles and back-to-back doubles put Boston up 11-7 and forced Vogt to return to the bullpen. Zak Kent got the final out of the inning, turning things back over to Cleveland.
Nolan Jones and Austin Hedges made for two quick outs. Steven Kwan had a lengthy at bat, but a liner directly to Trevor Story ended the game after a disappointing bullpen outing.
The Red Sox and Guardians will face off again tomorrow night with a 6:45PM first pitch. The Guardians will be moving to a 6-pitcher rotation with Joey Cantillo slated to make the start tomorrow.
