Dodgers 7, Guardians 2: They Are Who We Thought They Were

Guards drop first of three against the defending world champs

Gavin Williams walked six batters and you can’t do that against the Dodgers, so the Guardians lost 7-2.

Gavin Williams has been a very frustrating pitcher to watch this year. He generally alternates a good game with a generally unwatchable game and tonight was the latter. He gave up, because this bears repeating, SIX walks, four hits and a homer so it’s somewhat of a miracle that he only gave up four runs. Back to the Carl Willis drawing board with you, Gavin. The pitchers tasked with dragging this one across the finish line – Matt Festa and Joey Cantillo – looked about how you’d expect they would look against the best lineup in baseball. I do think Cantillo is establishing himself as a generally trustworthy second lefty in the pen and Festa is a better version of Paul Sewald.

One primary takeaway: Gavin Williams should stop throwing first pitch of the game fastball. Shohei CLOBBERED that pitch tonight and he is far from the first hitter this season to do so.

Offensively, the Guardians struggled against Yamamoto, one of the best pitchers in baseball. Jose Ramirez extended his hitting streak to 19 and on-base streak to 23 with two doubles. Gabriel Arias went 2 for 3 with a walk. It wasn’t their best, it wasn’t their worst. Jose’s streak is exciting and he had a great defensive play tonight, also:

If the concern is keeping Chase DeLauter healthy, I’d say it is time to get him to Cleveland, under the best possible training, and let him hit until something goes SPROING. Because that cat looks ready to put our right-field and number 2 hitter woes to rest. And bring Kayfus up too while you’re at it. Play him at second base, how bad could it be (this last part is sarcasm. Unless the Guardians take it seriously, then send my consultation check to the following address…)

The Guardians will try this again tomorrow night. Let’s hope Tanner Bibee can build on his excellent outing against Detroit earlier this week and give the team a shot to even this series.