Jhonkensy Noel hit a three-run homer, and José Ramírez and Josh Naylor each hit solo home runs as the Cleveland Guardians, who lead the American League Central, defeated the Texas Rangers 13-5 on Saturday night.
Noel, who has homered 11 times in 40 games since his major league debut on June 26, hit his home run off Rangers starter Jon Gray (5-5) in the third inning. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound rookie also tied his career high with three hits and scored three runs.
“Big Christmas, that was beautiful,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said, using Noel’s nickname. “We’re playing him a lot and he’s earning it.”
Russell Branyan is the only player in Cleveland history with more homers than Noel in his first 40 games, with 12 from 1998-2000. Noel is batting .266 with 22 RBIs in 109 at-bats.
“We know we’re a group of good hitters, so it’s always the same approach and we try to get the next guy going,” Noel said through an interpreter. “Today, everything went all fine.”
The Guardians scored 11 straight runs after going behind 1-0 in the first inning and won for the seventh time in their last 20 games. Cleveland is now two games ahead of both Kansas City and Minnesota in the division.
Naylor and Steven Kwan each drove in two runs, while Naylor and Brayan Rocchio scored twice. The Guardians matched their season high in runs. Rocchio walked in the third inning and scored on two passed balls by Texas catcher Carson Kelly.
“It just takes one hit, one barrel, one good at-bat for everyone to start clicking,” Kwan said. “Hitting is contagious, so you can’t help but feel good about what’s coming next.”
Ben Lively (11-8) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs, two of which were earned. He threw 105 pitches — his highest total in seven years — and struck out four.
