Steven Kwan hit a go-ahead solo homer in the seventh inning after Jhonkensy Noel tied the score with a three-run shot in the fourth, and the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.
Kwan’s 11th homer of the season came off lefty reliever José Alvarado (1-5) and helped Cleveland win two of three in Philadelphia. The Guardians secured their 63rd win, tops in the American League, trailing only the Phillies (65) for the most in the majors. Kyle Schwarber homered twice for the Phillies off Cleveland rookie Joey Cantillo, with a leadoff shot and a two-run homer in the fourth for a 3-0 lead. However, the lineup was silent after the third inning, underscoring the team’s offensive consistency issues since the All-Star break.
Kolby Allard, making his first start for the Phillies in place of the injured Ranger Suárez, couldn’t maintain the three-run lead. He began strong with three scoreless innings and soft contact but faltered in the fourth. Superstar José RamÃrez and David Fry singled to set up a three-run homer by right-handed outfielder Jhonkensy Noel.
Allard retired the next three hitters he faced but exited after four innings. He is temporarily in the Phillies' rotation as they await Suárez’s return, who was placed on the 15-day IL Saturday with lower back spasms. The Phillies hope to have Suárez back for their series in Arizona from Aug. 8-11, and with Taijuan Walker still out, Allard could make two more starts.
Tim Herrin (4-0) got one out in the sixth. Emmanuel Clase retired Schwarber on a weak grounder as part of a scoreless ninth for his 33rd save. Cleveland’s six relievers tossed one-hit shutout ball and struck out six over the final 5 2/3 innings. Alvarado is 1-5 with a 4.25 ERA this season and has been charged with 12 runs in his last 15 innings. The homer to Kwan was the first he allowed to a left-handed hitter since Yordan Alvarez in Game 6 of the 2022 World Series.
The Phillies’ offensive struggles continue to be a concern. Despite their strong overall record, inconsistency at the plate has plagued them, particularly in key moments. Addressing this issue will be crucial as they aim to maintain their lead in the standings.
Next, the New York Yankees come to Philadelphia for a three-game series. The Yankees will send RHP Luis Gil (10-5, 3.15) to the mound on Monday against Phillies RHP Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.55).
Kwan’s 11th homer of the season came off lefty reliever José Alvarado (1-5) and helped Cleveland win two of three in Philadelphia. The Guardians secured their 63rd win, tops in the American League, trailing only the Phillies (65) for the most in the majors. Kyle Schwarber homered twice for the Phillies off Cleveland rookie Joey Cantillo, with a leadoff shot and a two-run homer in the fourth for a 3-0 lead. However, the lineup was silent after the third inning, underscoring the team’s offensive consistency issues since the All-Star break.
Kolby Allard, making his first start for the Phillies in place of the injured Ranger Suárez, couldn’t maintain the three-run lead. He began strong with three scoreless innings and soft contact but faltered in the fourth. Superstar José RamÃrez and David Fry singled to set up a three-run homer by right-handed outfielder Jhonkensy Noel.
Allard retired the next three hitters he faced but exited after four innings. He is temporarily in the Phillies' rotation as they await Suárez’s return, who was placed on the 15-day IL Saturday with lower back spasms. The Phillies hope to have Suárez back for their series in Arizona from Aug. 8-11, and with Taijuan Walker still out, Allard could make two more starts.
Tim Herrin (4-0) got one out in the sixth. Emmanuel Clase retired Schwarber on a weak grounder as part of a scoreless ninth for his 33rd save. Cleveland’s six relievers tossed one-hit shutout ball and struck out six over the final 5 2/3 innings. Alvarado is 1-5 with a 4.25 ERA this season and has been charged with 12 runs in his last 15 innings. The homer to Kwan was the first he allowed to a left-handed hitter since Yordan Alvarez in Game 6 of the 2022 World Series.
The Phillies’ offensive struggles continue to be a concern. Despite their strong overall record, inconsistency at the plate has plagued them, particularly in key moments. Addressing this issue will be crucial as they aim to maintain their lead in the standings.
Next, the New York Yankees come to Philadelphia for a three-game series. The Yankees will send RHP Luis Gil (10-5, 3.15) to the mound on Monday against Phillies RHP Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.55).