The Guardians Offense Showed Some Positive Signs Despite the Loss
The Guardians’ offense looked more like the team that has worn out pitchers and strung hits together this season. From the first at-bat when Steven Kwan laid off a tough two-strike slider, starting off a 24-pitch inning for Cole, the Guardians looked more comfortable at the plate than at any point in the wild-card series against the Ray, despite tallying just six hits.
Kwan’s night, going 2-for-4 with a home run in the top of the third (his first postseason hit), provides the Guardians hope moving forward. If they are going to come back in this series, they will need Kwan to provide a spark at the top of the lineup.
José Ramírez also went 2-for-3 with a walk. He looks to be locked in at the plate right now and can certainly put this team on his back. While the Yankees defense limited rallies, and Cole got big strikeouts in key spots, Cleveland has to be more encouraged that their style of offense can play at this stage in the season despite scoring just one run.