Rookie Jhonkensy Noel hit a 430-foot solo home run in the sixth inning off Drew Smyly, giving the Cleveland Guardians a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. This home run was the go-ahead run for the Guardians, who lead the American League Central.
Noel’s drive into the left field porch was his ninth home run in 32 games since his major league debut on June 26. He also hit two home runs on Monday in the series opener, which the Guardians won 9-8.
“I don’t know about being in a groove, but I know I’m a good hitter and I just try to do damage to the pitcher every game,” Noel said through an interpreter. “Every game is the same mindset.”
With their fourth straight win, the Guardians took sole possession of the best record in baseball at 71-49. They also have the best home record in the majors, with a 37-20 record at Progressive Field.
Pedro Avila (4-1) got the win after retiring two batters, while Emmanuel Clase earned his fourth save in four days, tying St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley for the major league lead with 37 saves.
“Emmanuel is just incredible, and I’m so thankful for him,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’s unbelievable how hard he works to keep himself available to pitch every day. The fact that he loves to pitch just magnifies it.”
Guardians starter Matthew Boyd pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up one run in his first MLB game since June 26, 2023, with Detroit. The left-hander allowed three hits and struck out six without walking any batters in his return from Tommy John surgery.
Boyd signed with Cleveland on June 29 and had a 1-0 record with a 0.83 ERA in five rehab starts. He threw 80 pitches, 61 of them for strikes, and left the mound with a big smile.
“Today was awesome — a milestone — but this was just the beginning,” Boyd said. “The energy in this ballpark has always been palpable and the opportunity that sits here with this ballclub is special.”
Smyly (3-6) allowed one run in 1 1/3 innings for the Cubs, who are 4-3 in their current stretch of 14 consecutive games against AL teams. Since July 4, the Cubs have won 20 of 34 games, which is the third-best record in baseball during that period.
