The Cleveland Guardians, leading the American League, secured a 6-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night, extending their winning streak to five games. The win marked Alex Cobb's first since August 2022, a significant milestone for the pitcher who returned from a lengthy injury layoff.
Andrés Giménez was a key contributor to the Guardians' success, driving in three runs. José RamÃrez, Josh Naylor, and Will Brennan also added RBIs to the team's tally. The Guardians, currently boasting the best home record in Major League Baseball at 38-20, have showcased resilience following a tough seven-game losing streak earlier this month.
"That was a difficult period, but it highlights the character of this team and our approach to challenges," Giménez said through an interpreter. "We continued to follow our processes and do what needed to be done. This demonstrates the essence of baseball."
Cobb, making his first start since joining the Guardians in a trade on July 30, allowed only one run and three hits in 5 2/3 innings. He recorded three strikeouts and two walks, a solid performance considering his recent injury history.
The 36-year-old right-hander underwent left hip surgery last October and was traded to Cleveland from San Francisco. His return, alongside fellow trade acquisition Matthew Boyd (recovering from a major injury), has added depth and experience to the Guardians' pitching staff.
"It's been beneficial to have someone here who's going through a similar situation," Cobb said. "At times, I feel great, and when I'm on the mound, I go into attack mode. However, I'm not at peak mid-season form yet."
The Cubs, meanwhile, suffered their third consecutive loss after a four-game winning streak. Their starting pitcher, Jameson Taillon, allowed four runs in six innings, contributing to Chicago's struggles at the plate. They managed only five hits against the Guardians' pitching quartet.
"They're certainly a strong baseball team, but getting swept is never good," said Cubs manager Craig Counsell. "It's disappointing because we played well in the last two games but didn't make much contact tonight, clearly."
The Guardians' comeback began in the fourth inning, when Naylor doubled to bring home RamÃrez, and subsequently scored on Giménez's single. Giménez later added two more RBIs in the eighth inning, extending the lead.
"It's almost like we get going after we've been hit," said Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt. "When the other team takes an early lead, we seem to come right back and answer."
The Cubs are now 5 1/2 games out of a National League wild-card spot, highlighting the urgency of their current situation. The Guardians, however, continue their strong form, pushing their lead at the top of the American League standings.
Notes:
Cody Bellinger, who has been playing as designated hitter since returning from a broken finger, is expected to return to centre field this weekend against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Sam Hentges, a left-handed pitcher for the Guardians, has traveled to the Dallas area for a second opinion on his shoulder injury, after failing to complete a recent rehab outing.
Upcoming Games:
The Cubs will host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series starting on Friday, with Kyle Hendricks (3-10, 6.60 ERA) facing Yariel RodrÃguez (1-5, 3.60 ERA).
The Guardians will travel to Milwaukee to face the Brewers for a week-long series, with Gavin Williams (2-4, 4.38 ERA) taking on Aaron Civale (3-8, 5.02 ERA) in the opening game on Friday.