The Cleveland Guardians played host to the San Francisco Giants for a three game series and things did not go well. After outscoring the Royals and Reds 44-18 in their previous four games, Cleveland was on the wrong side of a 16-4 differential in three games.
San Francisco limited Cleveland’s bats as they went from 58 hits to just 17, quite the large drop-off. The Guardians were having a hard time stringing hits together against a pitching staff which has a history of limiting this lineup before. Carlos Rodon, Anthony DeSclafani, and Alex Wood kept Cleveland in check allowing just three runs on 11 hits in 16.2 innings. Based off the track records of Rodon, DeSclafani, and Wood this is hardly surprising.
Cleveland struggled hitting with runners in scoring position, going just 2-23 as they were unable to come through when it mattered most. Add that to the fact that San Francisco was able to score late in the game as eight of their 16 runs came in the 6th inning or later. What this come down to is the experience of the Giants versus the youthfulness of the Guardians. Cleveland is the youngest team in the league and it is these situations that make it very apparent.
This was the first real test for the Guardians as the Giants are by far the best team they have faced this season. The fact they faced a trio of pitchers who have shut them down before just made things a lot more difficult. While this was mostly a case of water finding its level, this was a measuring stick series of sorts. Cleveland will have a chance for redemption as they take on Rodon’s former team, the Chicago White Sox, for a four-game series starting Monday.
