Opinion
3 min read

Guardians Seek Redemption Against Astros Following Tough Stretch

As the Cleveland Guardians prepare to face the Houston Astros, fans are looking for signs of a turnaround after a challenging series of games. The Guardians' recent performance has been less than stellar, with their last game against the Boston Red Sox on April 25th ending in an 8-0 defeat. This shutout was particularly disheartening as CLE managed only four hits and zero runs, while their pitching staff allowed eight earned runs and three home runs.


Aug 2, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Brayan Rocchio (6) drops the ball after fielding a grounder by Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) (not pictured) in the seventh inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The statistics from that game paint a grim picture: a batting average of .133, an on-base percentage (OBP) of .161, and a slugging percentage (SLG) of .167. These numbers are far below what is expected from a team that has shown potential earlier in the season. The Guardians' bullpen ERA stood at 6.75 with a WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched) of 1.75 – indicators that pitching struggles significantly contributed to the loss.


However, baseball is a sport where fortunes can change quickly, and there's reason to believe that CLE can bounce back against HOU. Looking back at their game on April 23rd against BOS where they emerged victorious with four runs to one shows resilience in their roster. That day saw them record seven hits and an ERA of just 1.00 by their pitchers – showcasing what this team is capable when they click.


Aug 2, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) reacts after striking out Cleveland Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) (not pictured) with the bases loaded to end the top of  the second inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

The key for CLE will be finding consistency at bat while tightening up their pitching strategy to contain HOU's hitters who will be looking to capitalize on any weakness shown by the Guardians' pitchers.


Fans should expect some lineup adjustments or strategic shifts as CLE aims to improve upon their recent hitting slump which saw them leave seven runners on base during critical moments against BOS on April 25th.


Aug 2, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) pitches against the Cleveland Guardians in the eighth inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Despite these challenges, it's important not to overlook the positives such as Emmanuel Clase’s closing abilities demonstrated by his save in the win over BOS or Tanner Bibee’s solid start against OAK Athletics where he led his team to victory with six strikeouts over nearly six innings pitched.


As we look ahead towards May 1st at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas – it’s clear that both teams have strengths they’ll look leverage but also weaknesses they must address if they want come out top this early-season matchup scheduled for midnight Eastern Time.


For those unable or unwilling make trip down south watch live action unfold; you can catch all excitement through broadcast network SCHN who will be covering event live ensuring no one misses moment what promises be thrilling contest between two competitive sides eager prove themselves diamond once again.

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