The Cleveland Guardians continued their impressive start to the 2023 season on Tuesday night, defeating the Boston Red Sox 4-1 at Progressive Field to extend their win streak to five games. The Guardians, who now have the best record in the major leagues at 17-6, were led by Tyler Freeman and Bryan Rocchio, who drove in runs in the seventh inning to give Cleveland the lead for good. José Ramírez added an insurance home run in the eighth inning, his fourth of the season.
On the mound, Ben Lively made his debut at Progressive Field and turned in a strong performance, allowing only one run and striking out seven over 6 1/3 innings. Scott Barlow, Hunter Gaddis, and Emmanuel Clase combined to retire the final nine Red Sox batters in order, with Clase earning his seventh save of the season.
The Red Sox, who had won three of their previous four games, were led by Wilyer Abreu, who homered in the third inning. However, the Red Sox offense was held in check for much of the night by Lively and the Guardians bullpen.
The Guardians have now won five straight games and have the best record in the American League. They will face the Red Sox again on Wednesday afternoon, with Carlos Carrasco taking the mound for Cleveland and Boston yet to announce their starter.
