In case you were not already aware, this Bo knows how to hit dingers too. Bo Naylor was able to power the Guardians offense Tuesday night as they came away with a 5-1 win over the visiting Royals.
Naylor was able to connect not once, but twice as he launced balls over the fence. The first home run got Cleveland on the scoreboard in the 3rd inning. The second increased Cleveland's slim one-run lead to three as they were able to coast to victrory from that point onward.
MLB's Sarah Langs pointed out that there was something special about the younger Naylor's two home run performance on Twitter.
"at 23 years & 154 days old, Bo Naylor is the 3rd-youngest Cleveland player with multiple HR in a game as catcher, older than only:Sarah Langs on Bo Naylor
8/6/1947 Hank Ruszkowski: 21 y, 269 d
5/24/1970 Ray Fosse: 23 y, 50 d"
This is pretty impressive considering the last time a Cleveland catcher this young had a multi-home run game was over 50 years ago.
Backing Naylor's effort in the box was Aaron Civale on the mound. Civale was spectacular, allowing just one run on five hits in 8 innings. The fact that Civale was able to go 8 innings into the game is huge considering how much the Guardians' bullpen has struggled lately. Giving that group of arms a much needed day off allowing there to be a reset of sorts should help their overall performance moving forward.
This win paired with a Minnesota Twins loss now has the Guardians trailing by 3 games in the American League Central division. Cleveland is not entirely out of the division race, but they cannot stand pat at the upcoming trade deadline. At least one notable move will be necessary if they want to make a push for the postseason.