NEW YORK -- The Guardians arrived in New York this week reeling from a 2-6 homestand in which they were outscored 39-17. Awaiting them were three of the Yankees’ top starting pitchers in Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón.
Manager Stephen Vogt and Co. were obviously aware of the challenge ahead. They also did not seem very daunted by it.
“We know who we're about to face,” Vogt said before Tuesday’s series opener. “We know that they're three very good starting pitchers. But if we take our at-bats and we stick to our approach, we feel good about our chances.”
Cleveland still must face Rodón, but it’s hard to imagine things going much better than they have the past two nights. The Guardians beat the Yankees, 5-4, on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium to secure the three-game series victory. Cleveland (36-27) also is now tied with New York (36-25) and the Rays (36-23) for the most wins in the American League.
After tagging Schlittler for five runs (four earned) on five hits (one home run) over 4 1/3 innings on Tuesday, the Guardians were even more explosive against Cole. They belted three home runs against the right-hander, who was charged with four runs on six hits in 5 1/3 innings. Kyle Manzardo, Rhys Hoskins and José Ramírez each hit one.
Ramírez’s solo shot in the seventh inning was his ninth of the season, his first since May 18 and No. 294 of his illustrious career. Manzardo, meanwhile, also hit two doubles in a 3-for-4 performance. It marked his second career game with three extra-base hits, following Opening Day last year against the Royals, when he hit one double, one triple and one homer.