In a crucial interleague matchup, the Cleveland Guardians prevailed over the San Francisco Giants with a well-earned 3-1 victory, evening their three-game series on Tuesday night. The Guardians’ success was fueled by a strong performance from pitcher Cal Quantrill and a clutch hit by Tyler Freeman.
Cal Quantrill, a former Stanford standout making his first start in San Francisco, showcased his prowess on the mound. Quantrill and a trio of relievers combined efforts, limiting the potent Giants to just one run on six hits. This stellar pitching performance put an end to the Giants’ four-game winning streak.
The game saw an early exchange of runs, with the Giants’ Blake Sabol launching his 13th home run of the season, while the Guardians responded with Kole Calhoun’s RBI groundout in the first inning.
The decisive moment arrived in the sixth inning when Tyler Freeman, with two runners on base and two outs, stepped up to the plate. Giants starter Sean Manaea (5-6) was replaced by Ryan Walker after an error loaded the bases, setting the stage for Freeman’s heroics. Freeman wasted no time, connecting with Walker’s first pitch and delivering a two-run single into center field. This clutch hit propelled the Guardians to a 3-1 lead.
Cal Quantrill (3-6) continued his impressive outing by working a scoreless bottom of the sixth before turning it over to the bullpen. Quantrill’s final line included one run allowed over six innings, accompanied by five hits and three walks, while recording two strikeouts.
Relievers Reynaldo Lopez and Trevor Stephan each contributed a scoreless inning, setting the stage for closer Emmanuel Clase. Clase retired the Giants in order in the ninth inning, securing his 40th save of the season.
The loss proved costly for the Giants (74-71), as it prevented them from gaining ground in the National League wild-card race. They remain 1 1/2 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks (76-70) for the final wild-card spot.
The Guardians (69-77), who had been facing the possibility of falling 10 games below .500 for the first time this season, managed to secure the win with just four hits, all of which were singles. Jose Ramirez was responsible for two of those hits.
Notable extra-base hits for the Giants were limited to Brandon Crawford’s third-inning double and Blake Sabol’s home run.
Sean Manaea, making his first start since May 10, was credited with three runs, one of which was unearned, over 5 2/3 innings. He displayed control, allowing only two hits and two walks while striking out five Guardians batters.
The Guardians’ victory showcased their resilience, allowing them to halt a three-game losing streak and position themselves for a competitive series against the Giants.
