The Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays faced off in an exciting matchup on July 13, 2024, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The game was the rubber match of a three-game series between the two teams, with both looking to secure a win before heading into the All-Star break.
The Guardians sent right-hander Ben Lively to the mound, who was seeking his ninth win of the season. Lively had been solid for Cleveland, allowing more than three runs in only two of his 15 starts. On the other side, the Rays countered with right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who was looking to improve his 5-5 record and lead Tampa Bay to their seventh series win in their last eight tries.
In a back-and-forth game, the Guardians ultimately came out on top with a 4-2 victory. The highlight of the game came in the eighth inning when rookie Jhonkensy Noel, affectionately known as “Big Christmas,” hit a two-run, pinch-hit home run to give Cleveland the lead. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound outfielder showcased his power by driving a slider from Rays reliever Garrett Cleavinger 424 feet into the bleachers in left-center.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Noel’s at-bat quality and ability to capitalize on his opportunities since being called up from Triple-A Columbus. Second baseman Andres Gimenez also commended Noel for his clutch performance off the bench.
Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash acknowledged the tough matchup between Cleavinger and Noel, highlighting the rookie’s ability to seize the moment with a big hit. Despite the Rays’ efforts, they struggled with runners in scoring position, finishing 0-for-11 in Saturday’s game and 1-for-16 in the series opener.
With the win, Cleveland snapped a three-game losing streak and secured the best record in the American League heading into the All-Star break. On the other hand, the Rays were left looking to reset and improve their performance with runners in scoring position as they prepared for the second half of the season.
Overall, it was an exciting game that showcased the talent and determination of both teams. As the All-Star break approached, both the Guardians and the Rays looked to build on their successes and address areas for improvement in the second half of the season.
