CLEVELAND -- Travis Bazzana has made a good impression since arriving in the big leagues one month ago for his ability to consistently put together a quality at-bat. Perhaps it’s no surprise that his professional approach has carried over to the leadoff spot.
The Guardians moved Bazzana to the top of the order for the first time on Saturday, and he’s slotted there in each of the past five games. The early returns have been impressive, as we saw once again in the Guardians’ 3-2 win over the Nationals on Wednesday afternoon at Progressive Field.
Bazzana went 2-for-4 with two doubles. He has now logged an extra-base hit in each of his five games since being bumped up to the leadoff spot, during which he has gone 8-for-19 (.421) with five doubles and one home run.
Bazzana was stranded on second base after he hit a leadoff double in the third inning against Washington. He hit another double in the fifth and he came around to score two batters later on a Chase DeLauter base hit.
Bazzana nearly got a third extra-base knock in the sixth inning. He flied out to right fielder James Wood, who made the catch with a mini leap. According to Statcast, wind prevented the drive from being a home run. It was blown in three feet and pushed one foot to the left.
The Guardians scattered 10 hits and scored three or fewer runs for the eighth consecutive game. It was enough offense for starter Gavin Williams, who was charged with one run on three hits and two walks to go with four strikeouts over seven innings.