José Ramírez hits a home run as the Guardians maintain their strongest beginning in franchise history, securing a 4-1 victory against the Red Sox.
José Ramírez hit a home run in the eighth inning, while Tyler Freeman and Bryan Rocchio contributed RBIs in the seventh, breaking through against Boston’s Tanner Houck. This victory maintained the Guardians’ best start in their 124-year history, securing a 4-1 win over the Red Sox on Tuesday night.
Ramírez, previously experiencing tough luck with hard-hit balls, launched his fourth homer of the season leading off the eighth against Cam Booser. Batting right-handed, a rare sight for him, Ramírez sent a 1-2 pitch into the right-field seats, marking his first opposite-field homer from the right side since 2017.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Ramírez’s skill, acknowledging his status as one of baseball’s elite players. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt echoed Cora’s sentiments, expressing admiration for Ramírez’s consistent excellence.
Houck, who tossed a shutout against the Guardians last week, kept them scoreless until the seventh inning when Freeman and Rocchio produced key hits off reliever Brennan Bernardino.
The Guardians’ victory extended their winning streak to five games, matching their best start in franchise history at 17-6. Pitcher Ben Lively made an impressive debut at Progressive Field, holding the Red Sox to one run over 6 1/3 innings.
Wilyer Abreu homered for the Red Sox, but their offense struggled against the Guardians’ pitching staff. Cleveland’s bullpen, led by Emmanuel Clase, closed out the game with authority.
The Guardians’ offense finally broke through against Houck, ending his 15-inning scoreless streak against them in the seventh inning.
Injury-wise, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas is sidelined indefinitely with a broken rib, while third baseman Rafael Devers’ return was delayed due to wet conditions. On the Guardians’ side, pitcher Gavin Williams continues his rehab process following an elbow injury.
