Observations from the Game

3 things about Guardians Loss to Texas Rangers

1 – Lone Star Shutout 

The Guardians were shut out once again even though they outhit the Rangers eight to five.  Cleveland also had eight hits out of the nine innings, only in the 8th did they not get a hit.  

2 – No Gaga

The Rangers had multiple opportunities to blow the game open early, but Cleveland rookie Gavin Williams was able to limit the damage early to only two runs in the first two innings.  After that, he settled down and did not give up another run going five innings. 

3 – Bullpen Bounceback 

After struggling on Friday, the Guardians bullpen had a strong Saturday going three innings while only giving up one hit.  Michael Kelly, Xzavion Curry, and Tim Herrin combined for five strikeouts and all went an inning each. 

Game Summary

On Saturday, Andrew Heaney bounced back from his previous poor start of the season, while Marcus Semien, who had been struggling recently, had his first game with multiple hits in two weeks. As a result, the Texas Rangers defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-0.

Heaney, with a record of 6-6, gave up six hits and one walk in 5 1/3 innings, recording four strikeouts. In his previous outing against Washington, the 31-year-old left-handed pitcher allowed eight runs, which matched his career high. Heaney had taken a break from the game to be with his wife after she gave birth to twin daughters.

Reliever Grant Anderson entered the game with runners on the corners and induced Tyler Freeman to ground into a double play. Closer Will Smith pitched two innings in the seventh and eighth, while Aroldis Chapman struck out two batters in the ninth inning, allowing only one hit to earn his first save opportunity since being acquired from Kansas City on June 30.

Cleveland managed to accumulate eight hits but left eight runners stranded on base. Despite having baserunners in every inning, the Guardians were shut out for the ninth time this season. The Texas Rangers have now recorded seven shutouts this year.

Semien, who had been in a slump with a 3-for-36 performance, started the game with a single in the first inning. He advanced to scoring position on Corey Seager’s double and crossed home plate on a groundout by Adolis García, who currently leads the major leagues with 79 runs batted in. Semien contributed again in the second inning with a sacrifice fly, a foul out along the right-field line of 215 feet, following singles by Jonah Heim and Travis Jankowski.

Texas, leading the major leagues with a team batting average of .275, managed to produce five hits in the game.

Gavin Williams (1-2), making his fifth start in the big leagues since being called up from Triple-A Columbus on June 20, allowed both runs, four hits, and four walks over five innings. He struggled in the early innings, throwing 52 pitches in the first two frames and a total of 92 pitches in the game.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Shane Bieber (forearm irritation) was placed on the 15-day injured list, a move retroactive to Wednesday, and has a scheduled consultation with Texas team physician Dr. Keith Meister on Sunday. RHP Michael Kelly was recalled from Columbus and struck out two in a hitless sixth inning.

Up Next

Sunday 7/16 2:35 PM EST – Series Finale at Texas Rangers

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