News and Notes - Josh Naylor and the Guardiac Kids

Josh Naylor builds momentum needed to walk-off the Minnesota Twins

The Cleveland Guardians bested the Minnesota Twins Wednesday night in extras with a very exciting walk off victory. But there is a lot to be talked about between first pitch and last hit.

Tanner Bibee took the mound for the Guardians and immediately gave up a double on the first pitch. That runner would score by the end of the 1st. Bibee remained his usual unshaken self and was able stay confident for the remainder of his outing, earning himself a quality start. Bibee went 6.2 innings with 2 earned runs, 5 hits, 2 walks, and striking out 5.

Cade Smith came in to finish the 7th and work the 8th. His final line reads 1.1 innings pitched, 1 rare hit, and 2 strikeouts. The 2 strikeouts were enough to get him to the 100 strikeout club. As a rookie. What more can be said about what this young pitcher has done this season. He is by far one of my favorite stories to come out of the pool of young talent that this team and organization has developed.

Emmanuel Clase came on in the 9th and did Clase things, despite some questionable calls from the home plate umpire Chad Fairchild. Clase struck out 1 batter before retiring the side. Hunter Gaddis had a rare outing, allowing 2 runs in the top of the 10th (one unearned due to the Manfred Man). However, Hunter worked out of the inning without any more damage and earned his 5th win of the season.

The Cleveland offense was sticking in the game solely due to Josh Naylor. Josh had Ober’s number down and punished him on a 91.1 mph Four-Seamer over the plate and again on a 84.2 mph Changeup low and over the center of the plate. Josh recorded his 30th and 31st home runs of the season. This is the first time that he has hit this milestone in his career.

In the bottom of the 10th, the team down by 2 with Josh Naylor on 2nd, Kyle Manzardo pinch hit for DH David Fry.

Kyle was lifted for Myles Straw to pinch run as Andrés Giménez drew a walk. Jhonkensy Noel, who was 0 for 3 on the night, was lifted for pinch hitter Will Brennan. If there are two teams I would bet on Will Brennan to record a hit against, it is the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Brennan hit a single to right, scoring Myles Straw and advancing the speedy Andrés Giménez to 3rd. Bo Naylor struck out swinging for the first out of the inning after an 8 pitch battle with pitcher Ronny Henriquez. With Brayan Rocchio up to bat, Rocco Baldelli went to the bullpen to bring out Michael Tonkin. Tonkin’s first pitch to Rocchio was a 85.1 mph Slider low and center, which was fouled off by Rocchio. Tonkin’s 2nd pitch was a 85.2 mph Slider slightly higher.

At the time of writing, after the Detroit Tigers swept the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland’s magic number to clinch the division is 4.

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