“Naylor brothers key for Guardians in 7-4 win”. World champion Rangers have lost 5 in a row
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Josh Naylor hit a three-run home run, Bo Naylor hit a two-run double and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat the Texas Rangers 7-4 on Tuesday night. handing the defending World Series champions their season-high fifth consecutive loss.
Those big hits from the Naylor brothers came in a six-run second inning for the Guardians. Older brother Josh’s 12th home run with two outs put them up 6-0 and chasing top pitcher Jack Leiter (0-1).
Adolis García, Corey Seager and Nathaniel Lowe hit solo home runs for the Rangers (22-22).
Ben Lively (2-2) struck out five and walked three in five innings, with the only runs coming on those home runs. The right-hander has given up just two long balls in 27 1/3 innings over his first five starts of the season.
Emmanuel Clase worked ninth for his 12th save in 14 chances.
There was a scary moment in the fifth inning when Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio and center fielder Tyler Freeman remained on the ground for several minutes after a loud collision while attempting a fly ball.
Freeman was clearly calling for the ball hit by García as he ran forward. He caught it and held on as Rocchio, with his back to the infield and running away, hit him directly. Both remained in the game after being checked by three athletic trainers.
Leiter (0-1, 16.39 ERA) was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock for his third big league start, his first at home. The son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, allowed three hits, walked three and struck out two batters.
García scored in the second, his ninth of the season but his first in 15 games. It also broke an 18-game scoreless streak for Texas, which lost 7-0 to Cleveland on Monday, a day after a 3-1 loss to Colorado completed a three-game sweep for the Mountains. Rockies.
ANOTHER VICTORY IN THE SERIES
By winning the first two games, Cleveland clinched the series to improve to 11-1-1 in series against the Rangers since the start of 2017. … The Guardians have won 10 of their 14 series under new coach Stephen Vogt this season.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Guardians: RHP Gavin Williams (right elbow inflammation) threw his first bullpen session since an anti-inflammatory injection on April 24. He initially injured himself throwing a weighted ball in spring training and received the injection after experiencing the same discomfort last month as he began his rehabilitation process.
Rangers: Rookie LF Evan Carter missed his fourth straight game with lower back tightness. He received a cortisone injection after an MRI revealed no significant problems. He could be back in the lineup as soon as Wednesday. … RHP Dane Dunning (right rotator cuff strain) threw a bullpen session. Manager Bruce Bochy said he will throw two more and could be ready to return next week.
NEXT
A clash of 6-foot-4 right-handers for Wednesday’s series finale. Carlos Carrasco (2-3, 5.36 ERA) is expected to play for the Guardians, who play the last of 16 games in 16 days. Jon Gray (1-1, 2.36) is the Rangers’ scheduled starter.
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