Guardians offense explodes in big win over Twins

 A slumbering Guardians offense erupted for seven home runs and 19 hits as they blew out the visiting Minnesota Twins, 13-4, on July 20.

Light-hitting outfielder Petey Halpin did best Babe Ruth impression as he slogged two home runs - the first two of his career. Rhys Hoskins also homered twice for Cleveland, which improved to 53-48 and remained a game behind Chicago for the AL Central lead.
Bryan Rocchio got Cleveland’s offense started with a two-run home run to right field. Hoskins followed with a homer of his own, his first of the night.
Minnesota starting pitcher Joe Ryan would end up surrendering six homers in total on the night as the absorbed the loss.
Tanner Bibee, who has struggled with run support much of the season, picked up the win. He allowed two earned runs over six innings. He struck out five and walked one while allowing six hits and improving to 4-9 on the year.
Travis Bazzana and Patrick Bailey also homered for Cleveland. Chase DeLauter did not homer, but collected four hits and three RBI in the win before 22,501.
The night was memorable for other reasons. I spotted the Guardians’ owner Paul Dolan wandering the concourse right after Halpin homered for the first time.
Got to turn two: The game might have been different had Minnesota turned a double play in the first inning. With one out and Bazzana  on first, DeLauter hit a ground ball to Minnesota second baseman Kody Clemens. Clemens could not field the ball cleanly and had to settle for one out.
Guardians play-by-play man Tom Hamilton noted that teams that don’t turn the double play often get burned. The next batter, Rocchio, hit the two-run homer.

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