Ben Lively pitched for seven innings, allowing two runs, helping the Cleveland Guardians win against the Los Angeles Angels 5-4 on Sunday. This victory marked their ninth consecutive win.
This is the longest winning streak for Cleveland since they won 22 games in a row, setting an AL record from August 24 to September 14, 2017. It matches the franchise’s best start of 36-17 in 53 games, which was also achieved in 1920, 1954, and 1995. In those three seasons, the team reached the World Series, winning in 1920.
“It’s exciting. It’s all about the players. I haven’t done anything,” said Stephen Vogt, the first-year manager for Cleveland. “This team believes in each other. We utilize all 13 players, and everyone contributes. Whether it’s coming off the bench or pitching, everyone has stepped up. It’s been an enjoyable week and a half, and we hope to continue this momentum.”
Lively (4-2) gave up four hits, struck out five batters, and walked two. Emmanuel Clase secured his 17th save in 20 chances. “It’s amazing,” Lively commented on the winning streak. “Let’s keep it going and see how far we can take it.”
Matt Thaiss hit a home run for the Angels, who lost for the fourth time in five games. Reid Detmers (3-5) struck out eight batters in five innings but was charged with three runs and four hits.
Cleveland’s star player, José Ramírez, walked twice and drove in a run after hitting three home runs in the first two games of the series. He was prevented from hitting another home run when Jo Adell made a leaping catch in the eighth inning.
The Guardians scored three runs in the sixth inning, taking a 5-2 lead.
“With one out and Johnathan Rodriguez on base after a single, Austin Hedges and Brayan Rocchio walked, and then Tyler Freeman was hit by a pitch from Adam Cimber, bringing in a run,” Andrés Giménez hit an RBI single, and Ramírez walked, bringing in another run.
“That sixth inning was crucial for us,” said Los Angeles manager Ron Washington. “We just couldn’t get out of it.”
