Guardians pummel Pirates 11-0

The Cleveland Guardians were in the midst of their longest losing streak of the season (four games) and needed to find a way to end it as soon as possible. Apparently all that was needed was for the Guardians to make a visit to Pittsburgh.

While it did take a minute for the offense to get going, but once the Guardians offense sprung into action it did not stop. Cleveland managed to score every time they came up to bat from the 4th inning on. Amed Rosario got the Guardians on the board with a two-run homer, from that point on Cleveland was able to score at will.

Eight of the Guardians' 12 hits in the contest were of the extra-base variety. Jose Ramirez accounted for three of those hits (two doubles and one home run) while Josh Naylor's double and homer drove in a team-high three runs.

Andres Gimenez was able to bust out of a cold spell with his eighth home run of the season, his first hit of the second half. Meanwhile, Bo Naylor and Myles Straw both doubled in the contest, leaving Josh Bell as the only Cleveland starter failing to register a hit.

It was clear that the Guardians were taking their frustrations from the previous series in Texas out on the Pirates. Cleveland was able to take advantage of Pittsburgh rookie Quinn Priester in his debut, scoring seven runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings.

This was a much needed win for the Guardians as they were able to close the gap in the American League Central division thanks to a Minnesota Twins loss. It is still going to be an uphill battle for Cleveland as it does seem unlikley that they make any additions of substance at the trade deadline. The Guardians are not necessarily out of the running for postseason play, but they certainly do no appear primed to make a deep run should they qualify for the playoffs.