Post-Game Live Recap

3 Things About Guardians DH Split Versus the Tigers:

1 – Game 1 – Where’s the hitting?

The first game up was defined by a lack of hitting for Cleveland.  They only managed five hits and, at times, seemed to be walking through the game rather than playing to win.  Gavin Williams struggled early, giving up three earned, all in the first inning, but settled down after that.  

2 – Game 2 – 8th Inning rally 

It seemed like it was deja vu with the Guardians as they were down 1-0 heading in the bottom of the 8th when finally the hitting came around.  After two walks, Brayan Rocchio got an RBI single to tie the game.  Next batter Will Brennan got a two-run double to put the Guardians up for good at 3-1.  Gabriel Arias finished the Tigers off with an RBI single that scored Brennan. Emmanuel Clase got a 1-2-3 ninth for his 33rd save.

 3 – Welcome Back!

James Karinchak appeared in game one and looked great, striking out two with only one walk in one 1/3 innings pitched.

Game Summary

Game 1

In the first game of a doubleheader, Miguel Cabrera’s run-scoring double tied him with Mel Ott for 11th place on the career RBIs list. Akil Baddoo’s leadoff home run boosted the Detroit Tigers to a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.

Cabrera’s double in the opening inning drove Kerry Carpenter home, marking his 1,868th RBI over his 21-year major league career. Carpenter extended his hitting streak to 13 games with an RBI single in the first.

Pitcher Tarik Skubal excelled, pitching six innings of one-run ball and securing his first career win against Cleveland. Guardians’ manager Terry Francona praised Skubal’s skill on the mound.

Guardians’ rookie Gavin Williams struggled, allowing Baddoo’s early home run. In the ninth inning, Jake Rogers added a solo home run against Eli Morgan. Reliever James Karinchak returned to the Guardians’ roster after being recalled from Triple-A Columbus.

The Detroit Tigers hold the league’s record for doubleheaders and had previously swept the Guardians on April 18. The second game of the doubleheader featured Guardians’ Xzavion Curry against Tigers’ Joey Wentz. Tigers’ shortstop Javier Báez rejoined the team for the nightcap after his grandfather’s passing.

Game 2

In Cleveland’s doubleheader split against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, it was Will Brennan who became the standout player. During the decisive four-run eighth inning, Brennan crushed a tiebreaking two-run double that soared to center field against José Cisnero. This pivotal hit brought in Kole Calhoun and rookie Brayan Rocchio, propelling Cleveland to a 3-1 advantage. Just before Brennan’s impactful double, Rocchio had contributed a clutch RBI single that leveled the score. Gabriel Arias also joined in with a single that added another run to the scoreboard.

In the earlier game of the doubleheader, Miguel Cabrera managed to secure an RBI, allowing him to tie with Mel Ott for the 11th spot on the career RBIs list. Akil Baddoo added to Detroit’s victory with a home run on the second pitch, contributing to their 4-2 triumph.

However, the tables turned in the second game as Cleveland managed to mount a comeback. This victory marked Cleveland’s first win in eight doubleheader games this season. Enyel De Los Santos secured the win with a 5-2 record, while All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase maintained a clean ninth inning, securing his 33rd save.

On the opposing side, José Cisnero (2-4) found himself conceding three runs in just one inning, which overshadowed the impressive performance by Joey Wentz. Wentz, serving as Detroit’s 27th player for the day, put on an impressive display with five scoreless innings.

The Tigers initially took a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning, as Andy Ibáñez was credited with a double that brought Riley Greene home. This run came about due to a misplayed fly ball by right fielder Oscar Gonzalez. Cleveland’s right-hander Xzavion Curry recorded career highs with six strikeouts over six innings.

In a poignant moment, Tigers’ shortstop Javier Báez rejoined the team for the nightcap after traveling to Puerto Rico following the passing of his grandfather. Báez went on to have a productive performance, going 2 for 4 with a stolen base.

Trainers Room

Michael Kelly (lower back strain) was placed on the 15-day IL. Kelly has a 1-0 record and a team-low 2.84 ERA over 11 appearances since his initial recall from Triple-A Columbus on June 3.

Up Next

Saturday 8/19 7:10 PM EST – Game 3 vs Detroit Tigers

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