Well, today was interesting.
Let’s start with the offense.
David Fry started off the scoring for the day with this solo homer in the 2nd.
It’s been really good to see him (hopefully) getting into a groove recently.
A productive David Fry would be a massive boost to the middle of this order.
Angel Martinez continued the scoring in the 3rd with this 2-strike 2-run homer to left. 105.6 off the bat.
Also, it’s been really good to see Martinez (hopefully, again) break out of a slump he’d been going through the last week or so. Hitless in his last 18 at-bats, RBI-less in his last 40 at-bats. It would be fantastic for him to get going (at least against LHP) to bolster the production from the 2-hole.
Gabriel Arias capped off the scoring for the day with this 2-out triple (nice fielding, Juan) in the 6th. 104.3 off the bat.
He has been unbelievable in the clutch this season, rocking one of the highest wRC+ with RISP in the league (183, 9th in MLB). His 40th RBI on the year, tying him for 4th on the Guardians (Angel Martinez).
Enough about the scoring, let’s talk about Gavin.
He really struggled with command early on, which probably cost in later in the game. However, even with those issues, he turned in 8.2 magnificent innings of 1-run (and 1-hit) baseball. The longest start of his career, by far. It’s absolutely massive to get length (and quality) like that from a starter on both a getaway day and on a day where your bullpen is reeling.
His final line – 8.2(IP) 1H 1ER 6K 4BB
He lowered his ERA to 3.17.
Also, lost in the drama of his performance was this spectacular recovery & catch by C.J. Kayfus, playing out of position and saving the no-hitter bid.
A sweep of the Mets!. The Guardians move to 6 back of Detroit following their loss to Minnesota, and 1 game back of the 3rd Wild Card spot.
We’re off tomorrow and then off to the Southside for a 3-game set. The rest of the road trip is 3 vs. CWS, 3 vs. MIA (don’t underestimate this series, the Marlins have been hot), and 3 vs. ATL.