Cleveland Guardians Blank Pirates Behind Manzardo’s Home Run

PITTSBURGH, Pa. (AP) — Kyle Manzardo spoiled a festive giveaway day for Pirates fans by hitting a home run off rising star Paul Skenes, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday.

Manzardo belted the first pitch from Skenes (2-2) in the seventh inning, launching the ball 411 feet into the Allegheny River. This marked Manzardo’s fifth home run of the season and contributed significantly to his team’s success.

Steven Kwan added two hits for the Guardians, including an RBI single against Skenes in the third inning. Nolan Jones also contributed with two hits, solidifying Cleveland’s offense.

Ben Lively (1-2) and four relievers combined to limit the Pirates to six hits throughout the game. Dominican closer Emmanuel Clase secured his fourth save of the season by finishing the ninth inning unscathed.

Taking the mound for the first time this season on four days’ rest, Skenes pitched a strong seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits, while striking out four batters and issuing one walk. However, the strikeout total was his lowest of the season and the least he has recorded in any of his starts where he pitched beyond six innings.

The defeat overshadowed what was otherwise a vibrant atmosphere at PNC Park, where fans began lining up five hours before the first pitch for a chance to snag one of the highly sought-after Skenes bobbleheads being given away.

For the Guardians, Dominican José Ramírez went 3-for-1 with an RBI, while Carlos Santana had four at-bats without a hit. Ángel Martínez added a hit as well, going 1-for-4, and Venezuelan Brayan Rocchio had no hits in three at-bats but contributed a run.

For the Pirates, Dominican players Oneil Cruz and Enmanuel Valdez both notched one hit, going 1-for-3 each, while Alexander Canario went hitless in one appearance.