Guardians pummel Diamondbacks in final game of west coast trip

Perhaps a bit of Sunday's offensive outburst from the Guardians was taking out some frustaration after their west coast road trip had not gone particualrly well. Facing a potential sweep for the second consecutive series, Cleveland pounded out 16 hits en route to a lopsided 12-3 victory over the Diamondbacks.

The only starter who did not record a hit was the recently called up Bo Naylor. Every other Guardians starter managed to register a hit in this one-sided affair. Interestingly enough, even with all the runs scored and hits that came with it, there was not a single home run from a Cleveland hitter. All of the damage was done with the ball staying in the ballpark, but the Guardians still managed their fair share of extra-base hits.

Josh Naylor and Tyler Freeman were responsible for the Guardians two doubles in the contest while Jose Ramirez, Andres Gimenez, and Steven Kwan accounted for Cleveland's triples output. Even when not putting the ball over the wall, this Guardians offense is more than capable of putting up multiple runs in an inning. Three out of the four innings where Cleveland scored had multiples runs coming aross. With two in the 1st, three in the 2nd, and finally sixth in the 4th, the Guardians made sure that rookie starter Tanner Bibee had more than enough run support to come away with the W.

Speaking of Bibee, it was a nice outing for the Guardians rookie, even though he only lasted 5 innings in the contest. Bibee struck out six while allowing three runs on seven hits and three walk. The walk count is far from ideal and needs to be brought down in future starts, but Sunday was all about getting through the game and securing a win. Even though three Arizona batters reached via the base on balls, Bibee was able to prevent those free passes from coming back to bite him. It was Christian Walker who drove in all three of Arizona's runs, via a solo homer in the 2nd and a one-out two-RBI double in the 5th.

The Guardians bullpen was able to prevent the Diamondbacks from scoring the rest of the way, allowing two hits with four walks over the final innings. It was not the prettiest four innings of work, but they accomplished their main goal, preventing runs.

Cleveland currently trails the American League Central division leading Minneosta Twins by 2.5 games. The Guardians are off Monday as they head home and the Twins are taking on the Red Sox fresh off a sweep of the Yankees, including Sunday's doubleheader. Cleveland is hoping that Boston does them a favor and helps the Guardians gain some ground in the standings while idle before beginning a six-game home stand against Oakland and Milwuakee.