After a difficult loss last night, the Guardians were looking to ride the momentum of Parker Messick’s previous start to grab a win over the Astros.
Things were looking promising for Cleveland. Parker came out pitching strong and the offense put up two early runs. In the bottom of the first, José Ramírez hit a two-out single and Kyle Manzardo drew a walk. George Valera hit a timely single to left, scoring José from second.
In the bottom of the second, Angel Martínez hit a lead off home run to right
center — 399 feet.
The game continued back and forth, with Messick looking great, until the top of the fifth. Yanier Diaz hit a one-out double to put runners on the corners after lead off man, Isaac Paredes, singled to start the inning. Brice Matthews hit a single of his own, putting the Astros on the board. A hit by pitch and a walk loaded them up for Yordan Alvarez. Alvarez hit a single to score two, giving Houston the lead. Messick went 5.0 innings pitched, allowing 6 hits, 3 runs (all earned), 1 walk, and striking out 4.
Over the next few innings, Cleveland had some base runners, but couldn’t string together runs. In the top of the seventh, with Connor Brogdon on the mound, the Astros extended their lead. Two singles and another hit batter put two runs between Cleveland and Houston.
Former Cleveland pitcher Enyel De Los Santos faced off against the Guards offense in the bottom of the eighth. Daniel Schneemann drew a seven pitch walk. Angel Martínez hit a soft grounder to third, advancing Schnee to second base. Brayan Rocchio, with one out, continued his hot streak with a single to center, scoring Schneemann and forcing the Astros to make another pitching change.
Steven Kwan drew a walk, loading the bases for Chase DeLauter. With one swing of the bat, CDL cleared the bases with his first major league triple.
José was intentionally walked and stole second base. Kyle Manzardo fully opened the game with a two-run single, putting the Guardians up 8-4.
Cade Smith came out to close the game and is still struggling to be the sharp closer the team needs him to be. Cade gave up a double and a walk, getting some reprieve on an impressive double play. Another double, scored one more run but Cade struck out Jose Altuve to book it on the Astros. Cleveland is still undefeated when Austin Hedges starts.
The rubber match is tomorrow with a 1:10PM start.
