José Ramirez hit his first homer of the year, Andrés Giménez got three hits, and the Cleveland Guardians won 6-4 against the A’s in Oakland with a small crowd at the Coliseum.
Ramirez, who’s been an All-Star for the past three seasons, smashed a two-run homer in the first inning, giving the Guardians an early lead. “It’s great to start with a three-run advantage,” said Cleveland’s starter Logan Allen. “All I had to do was keep it going.”
Giménez, who had a perfect 3-for-3 at bat with two walks, hit two RBI doubles, one each in the fifth and seventh innings. Will Brennan also contributed with an RBI single. “Giménez was the main player tonight,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt.
Only 3,837 fans showed up for Friday’s game, with a total of 17,359 for the first two games in Oakland this season. Many more were outside protesting the A’s move to Las Vegas.
Vogt, who played for Oakland, said the small crowd didn’t affect his team. “A lot is happening in Oakland,” Vogt said. “We’re focused on our game, no matter how many fans are here.”
Allen got the win in his first game of 2024, allowing three runs over five-plus innings. Last year, he had a 3.81 ERA in 24 starts as a rookie.
J.D. Davis, a new addition to Oakland, hit two solo homers, marking his first since joining as a free agent. A’s outfielder Esteury Ruiz and catcher Shea Langeliers added sacrifice flies. A’s pitcher Ross Stripling gave up five runs in five innings in his first start since being traded.
Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase, who led in saves for the past two seasons, finished the game with a scoreless ninth inning to secure his first save of the year.
