Guardians maintain contact with White Sox; down Marlins, 4-1

 Steven Kwan doubled home a pair of runs, and Patrick Bailey connected for a big two-run double late as the Guardians knocked off the Miami Marlins 4-1 to win their third straight and second straight in Miami on July 11.

Cleveland remained tied for first with the Chicago White Sox, who beat Oakland 1-0.
Tanner Bibee started and picked up the win as he scattered five hits over 6 2/3 innings and allowed a run while walking four and striking out three. He lowered his ERA to 3.90 and improved his record to 3-9. Colin Holderman picked up his first save.
Cleveland improved to 50-46 with the win.
Things were looking less rosy back on Thursday afternoon when the Guardians entered their contest with the Twins on a four-game losing skid.
But Gavin Williams played the role of stopper, striking out 11 in the Guardians' 5-2 win. Gabe Arias, Chase DeLauter, and Patrick Bailey hit solo home runs.
Cade Smith pitched the ninth and picked up his 27th save. Cleveland moved into a tie for first with the White Sox, who lost to Boston, 2-1.
The Guardians won an electrifying game on Friday night in Miami, 3-2.
DeLauter’s two-run homer into the seats in right field gave Cleveland a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning.
All-Star left-hander Parker Messick took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. He allowed a single run on a home run by Heriberto Hernandez in the sixth inning. Messick struck out just one hitter while walking four as Cleveland improved to 49-46 with the win.
So as we head into the Sunday before the All-Star Break, I feel good about the Guardians. DeLauter, Kwan, and Bailey have found a groove on offense along with Rocchio, Arias and Bazzana. The starting pitching is solid, and the bullpen, although it has experienced some hiccups here and there, has also been reliable. Cade Smith for the most part has been lights out as a closer.
In light of the fact that we haven’t had our best offensive player, Jose Ramirez, in the lineup since June 14, and that Angel Martinez, who was among the team leaders in home runs and RBI, was also injured in the same game against Detroit in which Josie went down, and yet somehow the club has remained in the race for the division title must be commended. Rarely has 10-14, the team’s record since June 14, been so impressive.

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