Defense still a vital part of Guardians’ winning formula

SAN FRANCISCO — While the Guardians have struggled this year to find an identity that breeds success on offense, their defensive identity has endured. A year after taking home four Gold Glove Awards, Cleveland defenders continue to keep the club in close games with sensational catches and dramatic efforts in the field.

Tuesday’s win against the Giants was no exception as Myles Straw, Josh Naylor and Tyler Freeman each came through game-changing plays as the Guardians snapped a three-game losing skid with a 3-1 win at Oracle Park.

Cleveland turned three double plays and was able to win despite managing just four hits on offense because manager Terry Francona’s defense held strong. The Giants, meanwhile, committed their major league leading 100th error at a critical moment to open the door for Freeman’s go-ahead single in the sixth.

Recommended Guardians stories

• Terry Francona thinks there is more upside to this Guardians hitter
• Guardians need to find some help for closer Emmanuel Clase
• The Guardians aren’t hitting. But something else has been very wrong

Straw made three catches in center field that had his teammates and coaches singing the Gold Glover’s praises afterward. Manager Terry Francona said Straw’s running catch of a drive by Blake Sabol in the ninth prevented the tying run from coming to the plate and allowed closer Emmanuel Clase to work free and easy for his 40th save.

“The last one is a great play, and although it’d be a runner on second at least, it wasn’t like the game’s going to be tied,” Francona said. “But the other one, the left center, that’s a really good play.”

In the eighth, Straw sprinted 78 feet at full speed to the left center field gap and snagged a drive by LaMonte Wade Jr with Wilmer Flores aboard at first. StatCast gave the ball, which had a hangtime of 3.7 seconds, a 60% catch probability.

Straw said while the ninth-inning grab might catch more attention from fans, the one in the eighth was a tougher play.

“Just make the out,” Straw said. “There was a bunch of good plays we all made out throughout the day. That’s the kind of stuff that wins baseball games and that’s the kind of team we’ve got.”

Not to be overlooked was Straw’s diving catch of a Mitch Haniger shallow pop in the second. With Joc Pederson at second and one out, Straw raced in and dove forward to grab Haniger’s flare to prevent a run.

Freeman said Straw’s defense inspires confidence in his teammates.

“When the ball goes out, it’s like there’s a possibility he’s going to catch no matter if it’s in his zone or whatever,” Freeman said. “There is so much confidence in him. He’s fun to watch.”

Francona puts Straw among the top center fielders in the game defensively.

“Myles is one of the best,” Francona said. “I don’t think that’s overstating anything.”

Freeman, who struck out after a 10-pitch at-bat in the first inning, did not let his frustration carry over to the field. With Pederson aboard again in the fourth, Wade sent a slow grounder to Jose Ramirez at third. Ramirez’s throw to second was a little off line, but Freeman adjusted and made a good throw to first to turn the double play.

“You need to have a short memory, focus on the next pitch, the next at-bat, the next minute, whatever it is,” Freeman said. “We try to reset no matter what it be, and we take pride in our defense. That’s one of our main things and that was the next step.”

Naylor made a brilliant diving catch in the sixth on a line drive to first by Pederson and scrambled to his feet to tag Flores who had strayed too far off the bag at first for a double play. Francona called Naylor’s effort one that “changed the game” and starting pitcher Cal Quantrill called Cleveland’s defense “fantastic” overall.

Quantrill thinks last season’s four Gold Glovers notwithstanding, this year’s defensive effort has been particularly strong among the best since he arrived in 2020.

“It feels pretty good when you let up a ground ball and you know it’s going to be gobbled up,” Quantrill said. “And I think we’ve got the best outfield in baseball. Especially for a pitcher like me. I know I’m going to give up some contact, but with my defense, feel like I’m in a good spot.”

Ad not displaying properly? Become a Cleveland Baseball Insider by clicking here.

If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.