PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Ben Lively struck out six in six innings to lead the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night in a matchup of teams with the best records in baseball.
The Phillies returned home for the first time since the All-Star break, yet failed to snap out of their recent offensive malaise. MLB-leading Philadelphia (64-39) lost for the fifth time in seven games since the break and the seventh time in the last 10 games overall. The Phillies lost two of three in Pittsburgh and Minnesota after the break.
The Phillies played more like lovable losers against the Guardians (62-41), who moved ahead of the Baltimore Orioles with the best record in the American League with the win and lead the AL Central. Philadelphia committed two errors, botched a rundown, failed to scoop playable one-hoppers in the dirt and chirped at umpires most of the game.
"Our pregame work was crisp and guys had a lot of energy," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. "But we've got to throw the ball accurately. We've got to cover all our assignments. We didn't do that early."
The Phillies are hoping help is on the way.
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Philadelphia acquired outfielder Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for struggling right-handed pitcher Seranthony Dominguez and light-hitting outfielder Cristian Pache.
Originally selected by the Orioles in the third round of the 2016 MLB draft, Hays played 557 games for Baltimore over parts of seven seasons and had 121 doubles, eight triples, 66 home runs, 242 RBIs and 126 walks. The starting center fielder in the 2023 All-Star Game for the AL, Hays has just three homers and 14 RBIs in 63 games this season for Baltimore.
"We've liked Hays for a few years. I actually tried to acquire him the last two trading deadlines and we've been asked for much more than we wanted to give," team president Dave Dombrowski said. "I know he hasn't played all that much this year, he's gotten squeezed out, we feel, from some playing time by all the good young outfielders they have."
Thomson said Hays could earn the opportunity to become the starting left fielder. Hays sat in the dugout with his new teammates in the opener of a three-game series against the Guardians. Hays was scheduled to start Saturday against Cleveland right-hander Carlos Carrasco.
"I'm going to a place where somebody's wanted me for a few years, so that's good to know," Hays said.
The Phillies could have used some pop: Guardians reliever Cade Smith retired All-Star shortstop Trea Turner on a popup to shortstop to leave runners stranded on the corners to end the seventh.
Emmanuel Clase worked a scoreless ninth for his 32nd save.
Lively (9-6) gave up Bryson Stott's solo homer in the fifth inning that made it 3-1, but was otherwise solid. He allowed three hits and walked two in winning for the first time since July 4.
"Ben has a big personality. He's competitive," Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. "He's a huge part of what we do. I couldn't be more happy for him."
NL All-Star Cristopher Sanchez (7-6) allowed eight hits, three runs and committed an error over six innings.
David Fry had an RBI single in the first inning, and Bo Naylor brought home a run on a squeeze play and Angel Martinez had an RBI single in the fourth to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.
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No. 1 overall draft pick Travis Bazzana made his minor league debut for Single-A Lake County. Cleveland selected the Australian second baseman first in Major League Baseball's amateur draft earlier this month.
A former cricket, rugby and soccer player who came to the United States to play baseball for Oregon State, the 21-year-old hit .407 with 28 homers and 66 RBIs this season. He became the first Australian and first second baseman taken No. 1.
CLASE CLOSED
Clase converted his last 19 save opportunities dating to May 20 against the New York Mets. Over those 25 games, Clase has posted a 1.08 ERA (3 ER, 25.0 IP) with a 0.72 WHIP, 17 strikeouts and four walks.
OUTTA HERE
Phillies hitting coach Kevin Long was ejected in the third inning by plate umpire Rob Drake.
Up Next
Carlos Carrasco (3-8, 5.32 ERA) takes the mound against Phillies RHP Tyler Phillips (2-0, 2.81 ERA).
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
DAN GELSTON
Gelston is an an Associated Press sports writer covering major college and pro sports in Philadelphia, including the 76ers, Flyers, Eagles, Phillies and Villanova.
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