Josh Naylor and Ramon Laureano lead Guardians to 4-2 victory over Braves in 11 innings showdown of top teams

In a thrilling matchup between the two best teams in the majors, the Cleveland Guardians emerged victorious over the Atlanta Braves in an 11-inning battle, winning 4-2. Josh Naylor and Ramon Laureano came through with clutch RBIs in the 11th inning to secure the win for the Guardians.

The game featured stellar pitching performances from both teams, with Tanner Bibee of the Guardians throwing seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out nine. Bibee made history by joining Matt Harvey as the only pitchers in MLB history to have thrown five or more innings with three or less runs allowed in 27 of their first 31 career starts.

The Braves’ Charlie Morton also delivered a strong performance, pitching seven shutout innings and striking out seven. However, it was Dylan Lee who took the loss for the Braves.

The Guardians took a 2-0 lead in the eighth inning with some small ball tactics, including two infield hits and a bunt that loaded the bases for José Ramírez. A double steal executed by the Guardians allowed them to push across two runs without hitting the ball out of the infield.

The win marked the seventh victory in the last nine games for the Guardians, who currently hold the best record in the American League at 19-8. The series will conclude with Braves’ RHP Bryce Elder facing off against Guardians’ RHP Ben Lively in the final game on Sunday.