Observations from the Game

3 things about Guardians Loss 4-2 To Atlanta Braves:

1 – HR Ball 

In his third-ever start, Guardians Rookie pitcher Gavin Williams did well going 6 1/3 innings but sadly got burned by the home run ball giving up three to the Braves.  That was the difference in the game as the Guards offense, once again, could not find any power to match Atlanta. 

2 – Early exit 

Josh Naylor exited the game early after his 6th-inning strikeout with right wrist soreness.  Gabriel Arias replaced Naylor in the top of the 7th inning. 

3 – Curry saves the day 

Reliever Xzavion Curry saves the bullpen once again by going 2 2/3 innings giving up no hits while striking out two.

Game Summary

In Monday night’s game, the Atlanta Braves extended their impressive winning streak to nine games with a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Michael Harris played a key role, hitting two home runs, while Bryce Elder, one of Atlanta’s eight All-Stars, delivered a solid performance on the mound, pitching 6 2/3 innings.

Facing Guardians rookie Gavin Williams, Harris connected for solo home runs in the third and fifth innings, showcasing his impressive form. Despite batting ninth in the lineup, Harris has been a standout player for Atlanta, boasting a batting average of .416 with seven home runs and 16 RBIs in his last 24 games.

Marcell Ozuna also contributed a home run for the Braves, who have been on an incredible run, winning 17 of their last 18 games and 24 of their last 27. With this victory, Atlanta improved their record to a league-best 57-27.

Elder, the Braves starting pitcher, held the Guardians scoreless until the seventh inning when Amed Rosario managed to drive in two runs with a single. A.J. Minter came in as relief and successfully escaped a two-on jam by retiring All-Star José Ramírez with a pop-up. In the eighth inning, Nick Anderson sealed the deal by retiring Myles Straw with two runners on base. Raisel Iglesias closed the game with a flawless ninth inning, securing his 15th save of the season.

Ahead of the game, Guardians manager Terry Francona had done extensive research and preparation, fully aware of the Braves’ remarkable statistics. Francona expressed his surprise and admiration, commenting that he had never seen numbers like those of the Braves lineup and bench.

Harris’s third-inning home run triggered an unintentional firework display above Progressive Field, the home stadium of the Guardians. As Harris rounded the bases, a loud boom echoed through the ballpark, accompanied by sparklers lighting up the sky. This unexpected celebration, typically reserved for home runs by the Guardians, drew loud boos from the sellout crowd.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Triston McKenzie (sprained elbow ligament) will continue his rehab program of rest and therapy for three more weeks before picking up a ball. The 25-year-old received a second opinion last week and will avoid surgery as long as he makes progress. … 1B Josh Naylor was lifted after an at-bat in the sixth inning with a sore right wrist.

Up Next

Monday 7/4 7:10 PM EST – Game 2 of 3 vs Braves

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