7-run second inning sparks Guardians' rout of Jays

Field Level Media|published: Fri 21st June, 22:07 2024

MLB: Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians

Jun 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco (59) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Carrasco allowed one run and struck out a season-high seven over six innings as the Cleveland Guardians rolled to a 7-1 win over the visiting Toronto Blue Jays on Friday night.

Josh Naylor had two hits and two RBIs during Cleveland's seven-run second inning.

Carrasco (3-6) allowed five runs in two of his previous three starts, but he yielded only Vladimir Gurrero Jr.'s fourth-inning homer into the left field seats on Friday. He gave up four hits and no walks.

The veteran right-hander struck out five straight in the early innings for the American League Central-leading Guardians. Cleveland has won three straight after losing three in a row -- a skid that began with a pair of defeats to conclude a three-game set at Toronto last weekend.

Making his fifth career start and first since landing on the injured list April 30 due to spine inflammation, Toronto's Yariel Rodriguez (0-2) retired the side in order in the first. Then Naylor led off the Cleveland second with a double on a ball that dropped between outfielders Davis Schneider and Daulton Varsho.

Rodriguez walked the next three Guardians to put the Blue Jays in a 1-0 hole.

Rodriguez struck out Brayan Rocchio for the first out of the inning. However, ninth-place hitter Austin Hedges followed with a two-run single that grazed the glove of third baseman Addison Barger. That chased Rodriguez, who was charged with five runs -- four earned -- in 1 1/3 innings. He allowed two hits and three walks while fanning one.

Steven Kwan delivered an RBI fielder's choice, who eventually scored on Jose Ramirez's single -- both off Toronto reliever Bowden Francis.

The Guardians sent 13 men to the plate, adding their final two runs of the breakout frame on an infield single from Naylor.

Francis, Tim Mayza and Trevor Richards allowed Cleveland just one baserunner after the second inning, but Toronto dropped its fourth straight since the back-to-back victories against the Guardians.

Kwan saw his 14-game hitting streak end and 26-game on-base streak end.

Prized Toronto prospect Orelvis Martinez went 1-for-3 during his major league debut. He started at second base and batted eighth.

--Field Level Media