The Cleveland Guardians aim to maintain their aggressive baserunning approach when they face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday at Progressive Field.
Cleveland won the series opener 7-2 on Monday, capitalizing on seven hits and 10 walks. Rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana ignited the offense with a two-run double in the third inning, also drawing two walks.
“I felt comfortable in the box from the get-go, but I am really starting to get it going,” Bazzana said.
When Bazzana reaches base, his speed becomes a weapon. The 23-year-old Australian, playing in just his 12th game, is tied for second on the team with seven stolen bases. He noted, “I wanted to be very efficient on the bases, and I have started to understand when it’s a good time to run and when it’s not.”
With manager Stephen Vogt sidelined for a second straight game due to a viral infection, bench coach Tony Arnerich filled in. Despite the win, Cleveland left 10 runners on base and went 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position, prompting Arnerich to emphasize the need for better plate discipline.
“The guys want to get it done, obviously, they’re trying,” Arnerich said. “It’s about having conversations about where their headspace was at and what their approach was in an at-bat.”
Los Angeles will send right-hander Walbert Urena (1-3, 3.22 ERA) to the mound. Urena earned his first career win in his last outing, allowing one run on two hits over six innings while striking out five in an 8-2 victory over the Chicago White Sox. This will be his first career appearance against the Guardians.
“Being a reliever was new for me at that point,” Urena said. “Being a starter is really better for me because that’s what I’ve done all my career. And now I’m getting my chance to do it.”
The Guardians counter with Slade Cecconi (2-4, 6.15 ERA). In his latest start, Cecconi pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts in an 8-5 win over the Kansas City Royals. However, he has struggled historically against the Angels, posting an 0-1 record with a 14.73 ERA in two career starts, giving up 12 runs over 7 1/3 innings.
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki stressed the need for better control after his team issued 10 walks on Monday. “It’s going to be hard to win a game when you allow that many walks,” he said.
Cleveland enters Tuesday with just four wins in their last nine games, while the Angels have lost 16 of their past 21 contests.
