Myles Straw leads Cleveland Guardians in series win against Oakland A’s

The Cleveland Guardians took the series against the Oakland A’s

The Cleveland Guardians have moved to 5-2 on the season after rallying to defeat the Oakland A’s for the second time in three games. Each game was razor close, with two of them needing to go to extra innings to decide the victor, and both times the Guardians won.

In the lone game that they didn’t win, the A’s walked off in the bottom of the 9th, showcasing just how strong of a team the Athletics actually are. The issue for the Guardians during the series, however, has been the pitching. At least at times.

Either starting pitching failed them like in Game 1 where Zach Plesac tanked, or in Game 2 when James Karinchak imploded on himself. In Game 3, it was rookie Tim Herrin’s turn.

There’s no reason to panic about this, however, it’s early in the season and it does take time for the arms to catch up to everything else. There’s no reason to panic, and there won’t be for some time.

As far as the offense goes, I don’t think anyone has had any problems with it, by and large. You can nitpick minor things, like the Opening Day production by the Guardians, but by and large, the team has been as advertised; greatly improved on offense.

Game 1 (CLE 12, OAK 11)

Being able to muster the runs needed after falling behind big and early was not the Guardians’ strong suit in 2022. Seeing the Guards battle back in Game 1 was a strong sign this team is different.

Game 2 (CLE 3, OAK 4)

Shane Bieber looked better in his second start but being an Ace means working with what you got, and seeing him literally throw away a lead isn’t great. Three runs should’ve been enough for the Guardians to win Game 2, at least with Bieber on the mound.

Game 3 (CLE 6, OAK 4)

Another comeback late in the game, and another sign the bats are better this year than last.

Steven Kwan

6-14, 2 RBI, 3 Runs, 1 Walk

Jose Ramirez

5-12, 3 RBIs, 3 Runs, 3 Walks, 1 Strikeout

Josh Naylor

3-8, 1 Home Run, 3 RBI, 1 Run, 2 Walks, 1 Strikeout

Myles Straw

5-9, 2 RBIs, 4 Runs, 3 Walks, 2 Strikeouts

Xzavion Curry

5.0 IP, 2 ER, 3 Ks, 3 Hits