Bullpen stars again as Guardians hold off Red Sox

CLEVELAND — A major reason the Guardians are alone atop the American League Central Division is what some have called the best bullpen in baseball. Cleveland's relievers threw 4 2/3 innings of shutout ball Friday in its 4-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox before 34,404 at Progressive Field. "We have the best bullpen in the league," Guardians starter Slade Cecconi said. Of course, having closer Cade Smith perform at an elite level certainly helps. He struck out the side in the ninth for his major league-leading 20th save of the season. "(When he enters the game), it feels like the game is over," designated hitter Rhys Hoskins said. "He doesn't leave you super comfortable as a hitter." Smith took over for the suspended Emmanuel Clase last season and has quickly become dominant. "We've been pretty blessed here for a while (with closers)," manager Stephen Vogt said. "Cade has really taken to his new role. He's been pretty fun to watch." Even for starting pitchers like Cecconi, who threw 4 1/3 innings before exiting two outs shy of his fourth victory. "(Smith) has arguably the best two pitches in baseball," he said of the closer's four-seam fastball and splitter. Cecconi said Smith also possesses a good sweeper that he rarely throws. "It's elite stuff," he said. Vogt claimed that the play of the game came in the second inning when left fielder Angel Martinez gunned down Boston's Mickey Gasper at the plate after a grounder skipped past shortstop Brayan Rocchio for an error. Martinez's perfect throw to catcher Patrick Bailey beat Gasper by several feet. "I have a good arm," Martinez joked. He was brought up to the majors as a middle infielder but said he's worked hard on becoming a corner outfielder. "I knew my arm was strong enough to play in the outfield," he said. "I knew I could do it." The Guardians wasted little time against Boston starter Tyler Samaniego, who was tagged with four earned runs in the first and suffered his third loss without a win this season. After Travis Bazzana struck out to start the game, the next six Cleveland batters singled. Hoskins' base hit drove in Jose Ramirez with the first run. Hoskins has reached base safely in each of his 21 career games against the Red Sox. Two runs scored on Martinez's single, with the second run coming home on center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela's error for a 3-0 advantage. Bailey's sacrifice fly drove in Kyle Manzardo to extend the lead to 4-0. The six hits were the most in an inning for Cleveland since July 18, 2023, at Pittsburgh. Cecconi tried to give it all back in the fifth. He allowed the first four batters to reach base, including a run-scoring double by Caleb Durbin. Jarren Duran's sacrifice fly narrowed the Guardians' lead to 4-3 and Cecconi was sent to the showers after 69 pitches. Right-hander Colin Holderman (3-0) earned the victory with 1 1/3 innings of stellar relief. Boston reliever Bryan Bello threw seven shutout innings and allowed four hits. He struck out five. Contact Bob Finnan at rfinnan30@gmail.com.