Michael Harris II homers twice as All Star-studded Braves beat Guardians to win ninth straight
CLEVELAND — At the second, there’s no crew in the identical league as these Atlanta Braves.
They’re in a category by themselves — from prime to backside.
“Dangerous team,” mentioned Guardians supervisor Terry Francona.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta’s No. 9 hitter, homered twice and Bryce Elder, one of many membership’s eight All-Stars, pitched into the seventh inning because the Braves moved 30 video games over .500 with their season-high ninth straight win, 4-2 over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday evening.
Harris related for solo photographs within the third and fifth innings off Guardians rookie Gavin Williams (0-1), who in his third profession begin needed to face a lineup that includes six All-Stars and no detectable weaknesses.
Harris could also be final in Atlanta’s order, however he’s batting .416 (37 of 89) with seven homers and 16 RBIs in his final 24 video games. The Braves don’t have any holes of their relentless lineup.
“I feel like it’s pretty frustrating for the other pitchers,” mentioned Harris. “They get through who they think is going to do all the damage and they get down to the bottom of the lineup and we can still do a little damage. It’s a pretty special lineup.”
Marcell Ozuna additionally homered for the Braves, who’ve gained 17 of 18 and 24 of 27.
Atlanta, which has had three successful streaks of at the least eight video games, improved MLB’s greatest report to 57-27.
Manager Brian Snitker has no rationalization for a way his crew finds methods to win.
“I don’t know,” he mentioned. “We just do.”
Elder (7-1) didn’t quit a run till the seventh, when Amed Rosario touched him for a two-run single. A.J. Minter got here on and acquired out of a two-on jam by popping up All-Star Jose Ramirez, and Nick Anderson retired Myles Straw with two on within the eighth.
Raisel Iglesias labored a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifteenth save.
During two lengthy rain delays over the weekend in Chicago, Francona did some advance prep work to be prepared for the Braves. Their statistics are hanging.
“I got nauseous,” Francona mentioned.
He didn’t really feel significantly better after seeing Atlanta in particular person.
“You make a mistake sometimes and this is a lineup, probably the ultimate lineup, that if you leave something over the plate,” he mentioned. “They hit two the other way.”
Harris gave the Braves a 1-0 lead within the third together with his eighth homer, which triggered an inadvertent launching of fireworks above Progressive Field — a celebration usually reserved for house runs by the Guardians.
But as Harris rounded the bases, a loud increase reverberated by way of the ballpark and sparklers lit up the sky, prompting loud boos from the sellout crowd.
“I was confused at first why everybody started booing so loudly,” Harris mentioned. “I thought it was towards me, but I remember when I crossed the plate the fireworks went off and then I got in the dugout and they were talking about the fireworks. It kind of throw me off there.”
STAR POWER
Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. grew to become the primary participant with 20 homers, 40 steals, and 50 RBIs earlier than the All-Star break.
He’s solely the third to hit 20 homers with 40 steals within the first 84 video games, becoming a member of Rickey Henderson (1990) and Eric Davis (1986).
“You don’t want to get a drink or go to the bathroom if he’s around because you might miss something you’ve never seen before,” Snitker mentioned. “He’s a special player and it’s fun to have him on our team and be able to watch him every day.”
BRAVE(S) NEW WORLD
Atlanta’s eight All-Star alternatives are essentially the most in franchise historical past and matched the all-time report for an NL crew. The 2008 Cubs, 1960 Pirates, 1956 Reds and 1943 Cardinals additionally had eight.
STANDING ROOM ONLY
The crowd of 38,106 was Cleveland’s largest within the common season since 2014.
FRANCONA UPDATE
Francona mentioned he’s feeling nice following a medical scare throughout the crew’s journey to Kansas City final week.
Francona felt lightheaded earlier than a recreation and was hospitalized for assessments and as a precaution. The 64-year-old has handled main medical points lately, forcing him to go away the crew in 2020 and 2021.
Francona has been checking in together with his physician.
“He goes, ‘Sleep a little bit,”’ Francona cracked.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Braves: Ace Max Fried (forearm pressure) will face stay hitters for the second time on Tuesday as he continues to work his approach again after being shut down in May. It’s a major step, however the Braves stay tight-lipped a few potential return date for Fried, who will seemingly want a couple of rehab begins within the minors earlier than being activated.
Guardians: RHP Triston McKenzie (sprained elbow ligament) will proceed his rehab program of relaxation and remedy for 3 extra weeks earlier than choosing up a ball. The 25-year-old obtained a second opinion final week, and can keep away from surgical procedure so long as he makes progress. … 1B Josh Naylor was lifted after an at-bat within the sixth inning with a sore proper wrist. Francona mentioned Naylor will endure imaging assessments.
UP NEXT
Shane Bieber (5-5, 3.48 ERA) begins for the Guardians, who might commerce him earlier than the deadline. He’ll face Atlanta’s Kolby Allard, who acquired a no-decision in a begin in opposition to Minnesota final week.
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