CLEVELAND -- The Guardians’ offense is most dangerous when José Ramírez is at the center of its run production. While this hasn’t been a typical season for the superstar third baseman, Cleveland is counting on him to lead the way as it pushes to secure a postseason spot.
Sunday was perhaps as good an example as any of what Cleveland’s lineup can do when it’s firing on all cylinders.
The Guardians beat the Royals, 11-1, at Progressive Field to avoid a three-game sweep. Ramírez was at the center of the offense’s big day, as he went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and four RBIs.
The home run was No. 296 of Ramírez’s decorated career, and he also is now sitting at 997 career RBIs.
The Guardians improved to 69-68 to maintain their grip on the third American League Wild Card spot.
Ramírez’s home run was his first since June 6, though the caveat is he spent five weeks on the injured list (June 13-July 22) with a left hamate fracture. He has been working to return to form since he came off the IL last month, and has shown some good signs of late. Ramírez has a .298/.364/.456 slash line his past 15 games.
Ramírez got the Guardians on the board with a game-tying sacrifice fly in the first inning Sunday. His two-run home run off starter Seth Lugo in the fourth gave the Guardians a 9-1 lead.
Among other key performances, Steven Kwan went 2-for-3, Chase DeLauter went 4-for-4 (his third career four-hit game), and Trade Deadline acquisitions Jo Adell (3-for-4 with a double) and Nathaniel Lowe (1-for-4 with a two-run home run) each had four RBIs.