Guardians Edge Giants 3-2 in Rafael Devers' Debut
Gabriel Arias launched a pivotal home run in the sixth inning, propelling the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. The game marked the debut of Rafael Devers, who was celebrated by fans and teammates alike, but the Guardians dampened the festivities.
In a tense bottom of the ninth, Jung Hoo Lee opened with a single against Emmanuel Clase. Devers followed suit with a single of his own, and Heliot Ramos walked, loading the bases for Dominic Smith. However, Smith flied out, and Casey Schmitt struck out, sealing the game as Clase secured his 15th save.
Devers finished his first game with the Giants going 2 for 5, including two strikeouts. He made an immediate impact with a go-ahead double in the third inning, but the Guardians quickly countered with Carlos Santana's RBI single in the fourth. Devers had previously struck out in both the first and fifth innings.
In the eighth inning, Schmitt and Mike Yastrzemski initiated a rally with consecutive singles against Hunter Gaddis. Wilmer Flores entered as a pinch hitter but lined out to left fielder Steven Kwan, who executed a double play by throwing to second base to catch Schmitt.
Arias' fifth homer came off lefty Robbie Ray (8-2), who struck out five batters and walked two while allowing three runs on five hits over six innings. Austin Hedges contributed with a sacrifice fly in the third for Cleveland.
Slade Cecconi (2-3) struck out six over five innings for the Guardians, who were looking to bounce back after a recent sweep by the Mariners in Seattle, having lost five of their last six games.
Aside from Ramos' impressive throw home from left field that prevented a run with a double play in the ninth, the highlight for the Giants occurred before the game when many of Devers' new teammates attended his introductory news conference, showcasing their support.
The Giants entered this matchup with a .667 winning percentage (16-8) against Cleveland, their best record against any opponent historically.
Looking ahead, Cleveland's Logan Allen (4-4, 4.28 ERA) is set to face San Francisco's Justin Verlander (0-3, 4.33), who is returning from the injured list for his 11th start of the season.
