Tyler Freeman hits a 2
CLEVELAND (AP) — Tyler Freeman hit a two-run homer and Steven Kwan and Andrés Giménez each drove in a pair, sending the Cleveland Guardians to a 10-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night.
The Guardians and rookie manager Stephen Vogt are tied with the Yankees for the best record in the American League at 14-6 -- marking the franchise’s best record through 20 games in 25 years.
“It’s just a testament to these guys and how hard they play,” said Vogt, who was hired on Nov. 6 following the retirement of Terry Francona. “That’s the way these guys play, putting pressure on teams. We’re going to go hard.”
Josh Naylor added a solo homer and Estevan Florial had a career-best three hits for Cleveland, which has won five of its last six.
Triston McKenzie (2-2) allowed one run in five innings and struck out a season-high six. The right-hander had just five strikeouts in his first three starts after missing much of last season with a sprained elbow.