CLEVELAND—Bo Naylor blasted a pinch-hit, three-run home run in the sixth inning Sunday to give the Cleveland Guardians a 5–4 win over the San Francisco Giants and another home series win for the American League Central leaders.
Batting for Austin Hedges, Naylor connected with two outs off Sean Hjelle (3–3) as the Guardians improved to 30–11 at Progressive Field—the majors’ best home mark—and 11–0–1 in home series.
With the Giants leading 3–2, Andrés Giménez and Tyler Freeman singled with two outs, and Naylor fell behind 0–2 before belting an inside 2–2 pitch over the wall in right field for his first career pinch-hit homer.
As Naylor rounded the bases, his older brother, Josh, came on to the track outside Cleveland’s dugout to cheer.
“He’s usually one of the few people that I hear yelling through the crowd,” the younger Naylor said. “Just one of the many reasons that I’m very grateful to have him.”
Bo Naylor is batting ,311 (14 of 45) with two homers and 11 RBIs in 15 games since June 19.
“I’m sure Bo is the first one to tell you he’s not pleased or satisfied with the year he’s having offensively,” Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt said. “But he’s made such huge strides the last three, four weeks now, being willing to make an adjustment in season and to stay ready. He was so prepared for that at-bat.”
Cade Smith (4–1) worked the sixth, and Tim Herrin and Hunter Gaddis an inning each. Cleveland closer—and All-Star selection—Emmanuel Clase gave up a run before notching his league-leading 27th save.
Clase has given up just four earned runs all season, and his 0.85 earned-run average is the lowest among baseball’s relievers. The right-hander has been dominant by design.
“It has been the focus from Day One—just to execute every single pitch,” Clase said through a translator. “It means a lot fewer pitches, so I think that’s the result of what we’ve trying to do.”
Michael Conforto hit a two-run homer for the Giants, who went 3–3 on a road trip to Atlanta and Cleveland.
“I thought we played well,” San Francisco Manager Bob Melvin said. “We were in every game, and when we have a lead late, we expect to win. A .500 trip and would have liked to have been one game better.”
Cleveland’s Steven Kwan went 1 for 4, dropping his major league-leading average to .364.
The Guardians didn’t get their first hit off rookie Hayden Birdsong until the fourth, and then got four straight to score twice.
Josh Naylor hit an RBI single, rookie Daniel Schneemann had an RBI double, and Cleveland pulled to 3–2 with none out. Birdsong, though, escaped more damage with a strikeout, a putout at the plate and a pickoff at first base.
Mays Celebration
The Giants are honoring Willie Mays with a public tribute on Monday at Oracle Park. The Hall of Famer died on May 18. He was 93.Fan Friendly
The Guardians, who have struggled with attendance in recent years, eclipsed one million fans in their 41st home game, the quickest Cleveland has drawn one million fans since 2008.Extra Special
José Ramírez’s double in the fourth inning was his 621st career extra-base hit, moving him past Hall of Famer Jim Thome for third-most in club history. Ramírez trails only Tris Speaker (667) and Earl Averill (724).Trainer’s Room
Guardians: Outfielder Chase DeLauter (foot), one of Cleveland’s top prospects, has progressed in his rehab and is expected to be playing at one of the club’s minor-league affiliates after the All-Star break. DeLauter raised his profile in spring training when he batted .520 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 13 games.Up Next
Giants: Left-hander Blake Snell (0–3, 9.51) is set to return from the injured list to start the opener of a three-game home series Tuesday against Toronto. Snell has been out since June 3 with a strained left groin. He pitched five no-hit innings in his most recent rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento, Calif.Guardians: Right-hander Gavin Williams (0–1, 11.25) is scheduled to make his second start of the season Monday in the first of four games at Detroit. Williams made his season debut last week after having been sidelined with a sore elbow.
