Ramírez now has 668 extra-base hits, surpassing Tris Speaker as the second most in franchise history.
Cleveland — In the third inning of Monday’s game, Cleveland fans yelled “José, José, José, José” as José Ramírez made his second plate appearance. Two pitches later, the third baseman for the Guardians expressed gratitude in kind.
Ramírez hit a three-run homer off Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt, sparking Cleveland’s offense in a 6-4 victory over New York at Progressive Field. Ramírez had a memorable night at the plate, going 2-for-5 with four RBIs and breaking Cleveland’s franchise record.
Ramírez now has 668 extra-base hits, making him the second-most in franchise history. He started the night tied with Hall of Fame center fielder Tris Speaker and is now trailing just Earl Averill (724).
Monday marked Ramírez’s 34th game with at least four RBIs, placing him fourth in franchise history. The only players with more are Averill (41), Hal Trosky (37) and Manny Ramirez (35).
“Very happy,” Ramírez said through team interpreter Agustin Rivero. “Very happy with that and thank you God for keeping me healthy to be able to achieve that. For now, just hoping to stay healthy and see how long I can go.”
Manzardo has gone deep in three consecutive games, including a blast into the Allegheny River on Saturday. It’s the first time he’s done it in the Majors, and he leads the Guardians with seven home runs this season.
“I feel like they usually come in bunches,” Manzardo said, “so just trying to capitalize on when I’m seeing the ball well and feeling good.”
Ramírez and Manzardo’s powerful swings supported Gavin Williams, who had his best start of the season. He allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings, striking out eight (a new season high). The Guardians’ bullpen was thin on Monday, making Williams’ ability to pitch late into the game even more important.
“It was just a beautifully thrown game by Gavin,” Vogt said. “Kind of been waiting for that one.”
Williams was solid in his last start at Baltimore on Wednesday, pitching 6 2/3 innings and allowing five runs. But he struggled early, walking two hitters in the second before giving up a grand slam to Jackson Holliday.
He tossed 26 pitches in the first inning on Monday but held the Yankees scoreless despite issuing two walks. Williams recorded a career-high 21 strikeouts, including six with his curveball.
Williams introduced a new wrinkle on Monday: his cutter, which he threw 164 times last season but had not thrown once in his first four starts this season. He threw it five times against the Yankees.”Having four pitches rather than three pitches helps big time,” Williams said us. “Being able to toss it back door to a lefty or down and away to a righty helps. “It opens up everything.”
