Hedges' big blast backs Messick's gem as Guardians beat Angels

ANAHEIM -- Austin Hedges has been one of the Guardians’ best stories this season, as the defensive-first catcher continues to enjoy a revival offensively. Monday night added a fun new chapter.

Hedges, an Orange County native who hails from San Juan Capistrano, Calif., belted a two-run homer Monday night at Angel Stadium. The 34-year-old’s sixth-inning long ball gave the Guardians a three-run lead in their 4-2 win over the Angels in the opener of a three-game series.

With their fifth straight win, the Guardians are back to .500 (66-66) for the first time since the morning of Aug. 5 (57-57).

Hedges entered this season with a .185/.244/.313 slash line in 820 games over parts of 13 seasons. While he has long been renowned for his work behind the plate and leadership in the clubhouse, Hedges has added a new dynamic to his game this season with his bat.

In 199 plate appearances over 67 games, Hedges is hitting .270 with a .338 on-base percentage -- both of which would be new career highs. His .397 slugging percentage would be the third highest of his career, behind 2018 (.429) and ‘17 (.398).

The Guardians led, 2-1, in the sixth inning on Monday when Hedges got a 2-1 slider from Angels reliever Blake Weiman. He hit it a Statcast-projected 393 feet to center field, over the yellow line that is a threshold for home runs in this ballpark.

Hedges’ long ball helped back another strong start by rookie Parker Messick, who pitched six innings and allowed one run on three hits and one walk with four strikeouts.