The Guardians offensive struggles hit a new low yesterday

It was only right that the Guardians offense put up one of its worst games of the year with Terry Francona in the building yesterday. 

While Francoa led Cleveland baseball to some high highs during his time at the helm, he also managed plenty of games where Cleveland’s offense looked like it was stuck in the mud. 

The Guardians’ offense honored Fracona’s time at the helm by putting up their worst game of the year in a 1-0 loss to Francona’s Reds that showcased just how bad Cleveland’s offense has been as of late. 

The Guardians offensive struggles hit a new low on Tuesday

Cleveland’s offense could only muster four baserunners against Reds starter Andrew Abbot (three hits and one walk). Abbott’s no-hitter marked Cincinnati’s first nine-inning complete game since Wade Miley threw a no-hitter against Cleveland in 2021, just in case you needed another reminder of how bad Cleveland’s offense was that season.

It was also the Reds first 1-0 shutout win since Homer Bailey’s no-hitter against the Pirates in 2012. 

While the Guardians weren’t no-hit yesterday, it was still a demoralizing loss. The Guardians are now 5-10 over their last 15 games, and they’re now in third place in the American League Central and a game back in the Wild Card race. 

Per MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins, the Guardians entered Tuesday averaging 3.47 runs per game across their last 15 games, which was tied for 27th in baseball. They ranked 17th or worst in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS. 

The Guardians squared up some balls against Abbott but didn’t have anything to show for it thanks to some incredible plays by the Reds’ defense. They also had a chance in the ninth inning but David Fry hit into a double play in a 3-0 count and Carlos Santana just missed a walk-off home run.

The Guardians now only have three players in their lineup hitting .250 or better (Gabriel Arias, Steven Kwan and José Ramírez). And if that wasn’t enough, infielder Will Wilson rocked two home runs in his first game in Triple-A after being demoted on Monday. 

While Wilson didn't do much of anything in his time with the Guardians, his Triple-A homers added a little bit of salt to the MLB’s lineups struggles.

The Guardians will have their work cut out for them later today against Red starter Nick Lodolo, who is in the midst of a solid season but has allowed seven earned runs in 10 career innings against the Guardians. 

On paper, today’s game is the classic “rest game” since it’s a series finale ahead of a cross country road trip. We’ll see if Stephen Vogt follows that blueprint.