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Undefeated at Home, Guardians’ Ben Lively Aims to Shut Down Padres
The Cleveland Guardians are on fire at home, and they’re looking to wrap up their series against the San Diego Padres with another win on Sunday. Pitcher Ben Lively, who’s been unbeatable at home, will be the key player as the Guardians aim to keep their winning streak alive.
Guardians’ Home Dominance
Home Record
The Guardians have been nearly unstoppable at home, losing only one series this season. With a stellar home record of 31-12, their only series loss was against the New York Yankees back in mid-April. This impressive home performance has been crucial in their leading position in the American League Central.
Ben Lively’s Impact
Career Resurgence
Ben Lively (8-5, 3.58 ERA) is having a standout season. He’s especially dominant at home, boasting a perfect 5-0 record and a 2.55 ERA. The Guardians have won all six games he started at home, thanks in part to strong run support.
Lively’s Performance:
- Last Start: Lively allowed two solo homers and just one other hit over 5 1/3 innings in a 2-0 loss to Tampa Bay.
- Home Stats: 5-0 record, 2.55 ERA, and over five runs of support per game.
“I’m feeling strong,” said Lively. “I’m feeling 23 instead of 32.”
Padres’ Recent Performance
Road Series Success
The Padres are striving to win their third straight road series. Despite a rough patch with only two wins in their last nine games, they’ve been solid on the road, winning their previous two series against Boston and Texas.
Key Players:
- Jake Cronenworth: Homered in Saturday’s game, emphasizing the team’s need to treat every game with urgency.
- Michael King (7-6, 3.41 ERA): The scheduled starter, King has been stellar on the road, with a 1.77 ERA in his last six road starts.
“It’s a sprint now. Every day is the most important game of the season,” said Cronenworth.
Pitching Matchup
Guardians’ Ben Lively
Lively has never faced San Diego in his career, but he will need to be cautious with hitters like Xander Bogaerts and David Peralta, who have had success against him in limited at-bats.
Key Matchups:
- Xander Bogaerts: 2-for-3 with two doubles against Lively.
- David Peralta: 2-for-5 against Lively.
Padres’ Michael King
King has been consistent, allowing two or fewer earned runs in eight of his last nine starts. His road performance has been top-notch, and he aims to continue this trend against the Guardians.
Recent Performance:
- Last Start: Allowed two runs (one earned) over six innings in a loss to the Seattle Mariners.
- Career vs. Guardians: 0.00 ERA, three hits, and two walks with 18 strikeouts over 10 2/3 innings in five relief appearances.
Offensive Highlights
Cleveland Guardians
Steven Kwan:
- Kwan, usually a reliable hitter, went 0-for-3 on Saturday, dropping his average to .351. He aims to bounce back as he rarely goes two games in a row without a hit.
Tyler Freeman:
- Managed the only hit for the Guardians on Saturday with a triple.
Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor:
- Both have modest success against King, combining for 2-for-5.
San Diego Padres
Jake Cronenworth and David Peralta:
- Cronenworth’s homer in the eighth inning on Saturday helped secure a 7-0 victory.
- Peralta has been a consistent threat and also homered on Saturday.
Game Implications
The Guardians aim to maintain their home dominance and secure the series win with Ben Lively on the mound. For the Padres, winning this game is crucial to maintaining their momentum on the road and continuing their recent series success.
Conclusion
Sunday’s game is a big deal for both teams. The Guardians, led by the undefeated Ben Lively at home, want to keep their strong home performance going. Meanwhile, the Padres are looking to overcome their recent struggles and clinch another road series victory. Fans can expect a closely contested game with significant implications for both teams.
