CLEVELAND—Jose Ramirez broke a 0-for-19 skid and finished a 10-pitch at-bat with a two-run home run, and Josh Naylor also hit a two-run shot to lift the Cleveland Guardians to a 4–1 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, May 5.
Ramirez, a five-time all-star, had been hitless in six consecutive games before connecting on a full-count fastball from Griffin Canning (1–4) to wipe out a 1–0 deficit in the sixth inning. Andres Gimenez singled and Ramirez followed with his sixth home run of the season into the stands in right-center field.
“The at-bat with Josey didn’t start very great, but he battled and battled and battled, got some information, then got a mistake and didn’t miss it,” Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt said. “That’s what elite players do.”
Ramirez has homered four times in his career in at-bats of 10 or more pitches. Naylor was not surprised to see his teammate grind out the at-bat.
“Jose is always focused, whether it’s offensively or defensively,” Naylor said.
Naylor added insurance with his team-leading eighth homer off Matt Moore with two outs in the eighth inning. Naylor’s shot came after Ramirez drew a two-out walk.
Mr. Vogt gave Naylor, who was in a 2-for-19 slump, the night off Saturday, when the Guardians beat the Angels 7–1. The first baseman then went 2 for 4 on Sunday.
“I don’t like getting days off,” Naylor said. “It is what it is. I love to play every single day. I really don’t believe in slumps, to be honest. I don’t chase results. I just try to have good at-bats to help the team win and get on base any way I can.”
Carlos Carrasco (2–2) allowed one run and six hits over six innings. He had given up 13 runs, including five home runs, over nine innings in his previous two starts.
“That’s the best stuff he’s had all year,” Mr. Vogt said. “His sinker, his slider, they were electric.”
Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 10th save in 12 chances.
Canning (1–4) pitched a season-high six innings, giving up just two runs while striking out five and walking one.
“Canning did a heck of a job,” Angels Manager Ron Washington said. “Even the pitch to Ramirez was up and away, and he yanked it out to right field, so you’ve got to give him credit because he’s a hell of a hitter.”
The American League Central-leading Guardians (22–12) moved 10 games over .500 by taking two of three in the series. The Angels (12–22) dropped to 10 games under.
The Angels lost for the 13th time in their past 16 games, and have lost 27 of their past 32 at Progressive Field. Los Angeles has only one series win this year.
Trainer’s Room
Angels: Catcher Logan O’Hoppe (right-hand contusion) was out of the lineup after being injured Saturday night but expects to play Monday. … Infielder Luis Rengifo (illness) sat out for a second straight day but said he was feeling better.Up Next
Angels: Open a three-game series Monday night in Pittsburgh with left-hander Tyler Anderson (2–3, 2.23 earned-run average) facing Pirates right-hander Mitch Keller (2–3, 5.18).Guardians: Begin a three-game home series Monday night against Detroit as right-hander Triston McKenzie (2–2, 4.34) will oppose Tigers righty Jack Flaherty (0–1, 4.00). Flaherty tied an American League record by striking out the first seven batters he faced on Tuesday against St. Louis.
