Michael Conforto hit a two-run double to help the San Francisco Giants win their eighth game in the last 11, defeating the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians 4-2 on Friday night.
Patrick Bailey contributed with a sacrifice fly and Nick Ahmed drove in a run with a single as the Giants built a 4-0 lead by the fourth inning against Guardians’ top pitcher Tanner Bibee (7-3).
“It’s important to start strong, especially against a team like them,” Conforto remarked. “They kept the pressure on us all game, but our bullpen held firm when it mattered.”
Cleveland, boasting the best home record in MLB at 28-11, scored on a solo homer by Josh Naylor and a sacrifice fly from Andrés Giménez.
Ryan Walker (5-3) pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the win. Camilo Doval, the seventh Giants pitcher used, allowed two runners in the ninth but secured his 17th save.
“Our bullpen has been busy, but everyone is ready to step up,” Walker noted. “We’re all about supporting each other, and it’s a blast to be part of it.”
Bibee, on a three-game winning streak before this, surrendered four runs over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out six but struggled with his pitch count, failing to finish the fifth inning for the first time since May 8.
“Starting the second inning with 35 pitches isn’t ideal for going deep in the game,” Bibee admitted.
