News and Notes - Big Christmas Prevents Shutout
Jhonkensy Noel hit a home run to the short porch, preventing a Yankees’ shutout.
Well, Joey Cantillo was once again forced to start in a tight spot Wednesday night against the New York Yankees. Cantillo threw 4.0 innings, allowing 7 runs on 6 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 5. All things considered, I cannot bring myself to have a negative opinion on Cantillo. He is pitching as expected, against very hard teams with minimal major league experience. Hopefully these starts steel him against the high pressure of the show, allowing him to grow into the strong pitcher that he very much is still capable of becoming.
The bullpen was spared after Tuesday night’s 12 inning slog. Pedro Avila pitched 2.0 innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 3. Eli Morgan pitched the remaining 2.0 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and striking out 2.
The offense was remarkably quiet. Cleveland batters only put together 4 total hits - 2 of which came from Jhonkensy Noel. David Fry and Andrés Giménez both had singles on the night. Cleveland’s sole run came from a Jhonkensy home run in the top of the 8th.
The team has a rubber match day game today, before coming home to face the Texas Rangers in a 3-game series.
Here is to hoping that the top of the lineup gets out of this slump before rolling into September.
AL Central Standings
(at the time of writing)
Cleveland Guardians - 73-53
Minnesota Twins - 71-56 - 2.5 GB
Kansas City Royals - 70-56 - 3.0 GB
Detroit Tigers - 61-65 - 12.0 GB
Chicago White Sox - 31-97 - 43.0 GB
With Wednesday’s victory over Cleveland, the Yankees regain sole possession of 1st place in the American League. The National League has made a late season push to the top of the league-wide standings with the Dodgers, Phillies, and Brewers now in the top 3.
Cleveland Guardians News:
Anthony Gose was, once again, designated for assignment.
Around the League:
Joey Votto announced that he is retiring from professional baseball.
Jesse Winker hit a pinch-hit walk-off home run.