Josh Naylor’s two-RBI single highlighted a three-run sixth and rookie Joey Cantillo tossed five scoreless innings as the Cleveland Guardians beat the visiting Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 on Saturday night.
After totaling three runs while losing the first two of this four-game set, the AL Central-leading Guardians (85-64) matched that output in one inning thanks to Naylor, who had two hits on the night. Meanwhile, Cantillo (2-3), who threw 6 2/3 perfect innings against the Chicago White Sox on Monday, yielded three hits, a walk, and struck out six against the Rays (73-76).
Junior Caminero had three hits and drove home the Rays’ only run with a double against Hunter Gaddis in the top of the eighth.
Tampa Bay appeared to open the scoring in the fifth when Josh Lowe was ruled safe at home on Jose Siri’s single to center, seemingly getting under Austin Hedges’ tag on Lane Thomas’ throw. However, the Guardians challenged the call and it was overturned.
The Guardians played their second straight game without All-Star Steven Kwan, who is dealing with a back issue.