CLEVELAND —The Guardians couldn't pull off a series sweep of the Washington Nationals, losing 5-2 Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.
The Guardians had been red hot at home and entered Sunday's game 20-6 at Progressive Field this season. At 39-19 entering Sunday, they had the second-best record in the American League behind the New York Yankees.
Steven Kwan returned from the injured list Friday night and played well enough that his teammates joked that he might not be human.
Here's how Sunday's game unfolded.
Guardians fall to the Nationals, who avoid sweep
The Guardians put a runner on in the ninth but Kyle Manzardo hit a flyout to left field to end it in a 5-2 loss to the Nationals.
Guardians, Nationals score: Cleveland trails 5-2 entering ninth inning
Aside from Daniel Schneemann's two-run double in the second inning, the Guardians haven't been able to break through, and the Nationals are clinging to a 5-2 lead heading into the ninth.
Nationals starter Jake Irvin was solid, allowing two runs on five hits with six strikeouts in six innings.
Carlos Carrasco's day is done after four innings
Carlos Carrasco didn't have the most efficient day in his return from the injured list.
Carrasco was roughed up for five earned runs on seven hits and one walk in only four innings. He finished with 71 pitches.
Carrasco's ERA increased to 5.66. After earning a spot in the rotation to begin the season —partly due to Gavin Williams going down with an injury —it's been tough sledding for Carrasco.
Daniel Schneemann debut begins with two-run double on first pitch in the major leagues for Guardians
As Guardians manager Stephen Vogt left the podium after his pregame news conference with reporters, he mentioned that a debut day is always a fun day.
He was talking about Daniel Schneemann, who was promoted to the majors before the game to make his major league debut. Vogt was right.
Schneemann just drilled the very first pitch he saw in the major leagues down the right field line for a two-run double to cut the Nationals lead to 4-2. The Guardians dugout went ballistic, with every member celebrating with two arms in the air.
That's a pretty great debut.
Carlos Carrasco returns from injury, but getting hit hard by Nationals as Guardians trail early
Carlos Carrasco is back from the injured list. His velocity appears to be up more than 1 mph compared to his season average, but the Nationals are roughing him up nonetheless.
The Nationals just strung together a four-run rally in the second inning, highlighted Joey Meneses' two-run double.
A hit was just out of the reach of center fielder Tyler Freeman, who later had a throw to home plate end up off line, allowing another run to score.
Below is some pregame information.
Guardians promote Daniel Schneemann from Triple-A Columbus
The Guardians promoted utility man Daniel Schneemann from Triple-A Columbus and optioned Johnathan Rodriguez back to the minor leagues.
Schneemann, 27, hit .294 with a .984 OPS in Triple-A this season. Manager Stephen Vogt noted that with the Guardians set to face a series of right-handed pitchers in the upcoming days, Schneemann offers Cleveland an extra left-handed hitter along with some defensive versatility.
Before the game, Carlos Carrasco was activated off the injured list. Eli Morgan, meanwhile, felt some discomfort in his elbow recently and was placed on the IL with elbow inflammation.
Emmanuel Clase All-Star case being made
Emmanuel Clase has been in top form this season and has arguably been the second best reliever in the American League.
Guardians, Royals, Twins standings
The Guardians entered Thursday with a three-game lead over the Royals in the American League Central. The Twins are six games behind Cleveland.
Francisco Lindor returns to Cleveland; Revisiting the trade with the Mets
Monday night's game was Lindor's first in Cleveland since the blockbuster trade that sent him to New York prior to the 2021 season.
Lindor spoke of what he remembered most about his Cleveland days, and we broke down where the trade stands today.
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward throws a wild ceremonial first pitch at Guardians game
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward tossed the ceremonial first pitch at Tuesday's Guardians game at Progressive Field and, well, it was eventful.
Guardians City Connect uniforms unveiled
The Guardians wore their new Nike City Connect uniforms for the first time in Friday's game against the Twins.
Guardians schedule, next game
The Guardians and Nationals will complete their three-game series this weekend. Cleveland will then have an off day Monday before the Kansas City Royals come to Progressive Field for a three-game set.
How can I watch, listen or stream the Cleveland Guardians game tonight?
The game will be broadcast locally on Bally Sports. It'll be broadcast on the radio by WTAM (1100-AM) and WARF (1350-AM, Spanish broadcast).
