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DENVER, CO - AUGUST 21: Travis Bazzana #37 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a two-RBI single in the fourth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on August 21, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Cleveland, if you’re reading this, you already know. The Guardians have won 9-1. They pitched, they hit, they did everything. They play again tomorrow, a chance to win 3 straight. I love you. -Jake
After their first series win in a month, the Guardians were looking to finally get on a Winning streak by heading to Coors Field. And while some would look at the Rockies and think it’s time to win some easy games, keep in mind that Colorado had won 5 of the 9 matchups over the last 3 years, and the Guardians lost the last series at Coors 2-1 (they did, however, score 13 in their Win).
On paper, the pitching matchup favored Cleveland. Tanner Gordon has been lit up in Colorado to the tune of a 7.82 ERA, while Cantillo has started to go on a nice streak, with a 3-flat ERA in just 12 August innings. That paper, however, was quickly crumpled up and thrown aggressively at my pile of theoretical papers that don’t matter. As Joey Cantillo was a Wild Man (not a compliment) early and often tonight.
When Hawaii Joe is on, he’s arguably the most fun pitcher to watch on the staff. And when he’s off, it’s like a teenager going on his first date: awkward early and you know you just gotta end it before it gets really messy, (but I’m still awake at home proud of you for trying!). JC started the game with a 31 pitch 1st inning thanks to 2 Walks and 2 strikeouts (yes K’s are good but these cost him 6 & 7 pitches a piece). One of those walks scored on a grounder up the middle by former Cleveland farmhand Willi Castro.
Fortunately, Joey found a rhythm after the RBI single, putting down 9 straight and getting the pitch count under control. But with 2 outs in the 4th, he ran into trouble and then did so again 2 outs in the 5th, so Vogt pulled the plug after 4.2 IP of 1 run ball. Certainly not what JC the Sunshine Man wanted, but a good night from the ‘pen made this doable.
Meanwhile, as long as you’re not a crazy overreactive fan, you had a really fun night watching the Guardians lineup. First time thru the order the message was clear: Attack Tanner Gordon early. Kwan had a patient 6 pitch single, but CDL had a 1st pitch pop up and Jose GIDP after 2 pitches. The 2nd wasn’t much better; Adell would leadoff with a single but the next 3 guys went down in 4 total pitches.
Again. Someone not so cool would panic. After a Bailey pop-up, Petey Halpin Baja Blasted one to tie the game at 1 and the Guardians never looked back.
Petey "Petey" Halpin gets the scoring started on #PlayersWeekend ! #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/GbBtmXnQz2
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 22, 2026
And before I get into ~how~ they did that, I just wanted to say I really appreciate the opportunity to write here for all of you. I’ve been a Cleveland sports fan all of my life, and even in some very not-fun times, I always have a lot of fun talking about the Guards. A special thanks to Quincy Wheeler for the opportunity, can’t wait to prove him wrong after he told me I’d never amount to anything (thats what we in the biz call a “joke”, QW is a great guy, he is not the Principal from Back to The Future).
One thing you should know about me is that I love lists, especially doing a Top 5 or 10. So to round up the offensive explosion tonight, let’s celebrate with a special Top 5 things I loved watching tonight…
#5-Jo Adell SMOKING the ball, A LOT;
Adell had singles that went 106 & 108 off the bat, the second bringing home a run. He’s been a great addition and super fun to watch. THIS writer would not mind giving him some money to stay here (more on that this winter).
#4-Steven Kwan getting on base, again:
Boy is it great to have Kwany back. He’s followed up his 1.000+ OPS July with an August over .850 thus far. His OBP since the All Star game has been over .470(!). We got our Leadoff Man back.
#3-Angel Genao
His name should be enough. This Dude is Lightning personified. Swings hard, runs fast, defends well, and has a million dollar Smile at Shortstop (yes, I still think about “him”). The way he flew around 3rd on Bazzana’s single, then followed it up with a full inning of defensive highlights, that’ll make you fall in love with Baseball… I don’t think I have to say much else: I love watching him play ball.
Angel Genao is putting on a defensive clinic tonight in Denver! #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/d8pksWskwb
— GuardsTV (@GuardsTV) August 22, 2026
#2-Bazzana’s Slump Buster;
It’s been a rough stretch for Travis recently. And while some want to write his obituary for his career, I am not one of them. It was really great to see him battle for a 9 pitch AB and deliver a 2 run hit to take the lead. Also, maybe that at bat was a huge weight off his shoulders? Kinda feels like it might’ve broken the door down, as he followed that hit with 3 more. His 2nd 4 Hit game of the year. Take a load off, Travvy!
#1-Takin Care of Business
If I had told you that Jose would go hitless and leave 7 on base while Joey would have a 31 pitch 1st inning and not finish the 5th, you’d assume we lost pretty easily. Especially the way this team hasn’t taken advantage of opportunities this year… But every other starter had a hit. Patty & Petey Homered, The Thunder Down Under, The Jo Show, Get Lowe and King Kwan all reached multiple times and the Bullpen was great. It’s the type of stuff we saw from this team last September. It’s what you just gotta do.
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