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Guardians Turn to Ben Lively in Rematch vs. Marlins
As Ben Lively continues his unexpectedly successful season, the right-hander also aims to help the Cleveland Guardians end a minor rut. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins are looking to build some momentum with consecutive wins.
Guardians’ Recent Struggles
Lively will attempt to prevent the visiting Guardians from experiencing a third consecutive loss as they face the Marlins in the second game of their three-game series on Saturday night. The Guardians, who lead the American League Central, have a record of 4-5 in their last nine games following a winning streak from May 17-26. Following a defeat at home against Kansas City, Cleveland lost to Miami in the series opener after failing to maintain a two-run lead.
The Guardians have now lost consecutive games for the first time since a three-game slide against the Chicago White Sox from May 9-11.
“It’s frustrating. We’re all frustrated about this,” Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said.
Bullpen Challenges
The Guardians’ bullpen, among the majors’ best with a 2.39 ERA this season, allowed the tie-breaking run during the eighth inning in each of the last two games after going five straight without yielding any runs. This recent hiccup has been a source of frustration for the team.
Ben Lively’s Impressive Season
Lively (5-2, 2.84 ERA) hopes to put the Guardians in a position to bounce back. Amid a career season, the journeyman right-hander has won four straight starts and boasts a 2.45 ERA over his last three games. Lively allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings of a 3-2 win over Washington last weekend.
“Just staying ready and hoping my fastball is there,” Lively, 32, said about what has worked for him this season while pitching for his fourth team since breaking into the majors in 2017.
Lively is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA in his lone career encounter against Miami.
Marlins’ Recent Performance
Lively will face a Marlins lineup that did all its scoring on Friday with two outs. Bryan De La Cruz and Josh Bell hit back-to-back solo homers in the third inning, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. added an RBI single in the eighth to break a 2-2 tie.
During their current 6-7 run, the Marlins, who ended a four-game skid, have won two games in a row. Miami’s warm up area has been areas of strength for especially, permitting a spat 18 innings over the last three games. Five relievers for the Marlins limited the Guardians to just two hits after Friday’s starter, Ryan Weathers, left after 2 1/3 innings with a finger injury.
“Just keep going. Keep doing what we just did (on Friday),” Miami reliever Tanner Scott told Bally Sports Florida. Scott earned the win Friday with 1 2/3 innings of work. He has not allowed an earned run in 18 innings over his last 18 appearances.
Key Players and Matchup
Ex-Gatekeeper Josh Chime is on a tear, going 16-for-37 with seven extra-fair hits and four RBIs during a nine-game hitting streak.
Right-hander Roddery Munoz (1-1, 5.17 ERA) is scheduled to be reviewed from Triple-A Jacksonville to begin Saturday’s down. His last appearance in the majors was on May 6, when he pitched in a 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, giving up six runs on seven hits, including four home runs, and walking four batters in 4 1/3 innings. In his three appearances with Miami this season, Munoz has given up six home runs.
On Friday, Cleveland superstar Jose Ramirez went 0-for-3. He hasn’t done without a hit in that frame of mind back games since May 11-12.
Lively is ready to pitch in order to continue his great season, while the Guardians seek to bounce back from their recent losses. On the other hand, the Marlins aim to keep winning and expand on their recent achievements. MLB Experts are keeping a close eye on this game to observe how the teams make adjustments and if Lively can maintain his impressive streak. This match is vital for both teams as they look to build momentum in their individual journeys.
