CLEVELAND, Ohio — Kyle Manzardo has found a home away from home at PNC Park.
On Saturday, Manzardo became the first Cleveland player to hit a home run into the Allegheny River behind the right field bleachers of the Pirates’ home field.
That he did it off Pirates ace Paul Skenes made it that much better.
On Sunday, he hit a two-run homer into the same bleachers, and then delivered the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning in Cleveland’s 5-4 win.
“It’s a beautiful park,” said Manzardo, “and when you hit well at it, it definitely pushes it way up my rankings.”
Manzardo hit .333 (4 for 12) with one double, two homers and five RBI in the three-game sweep of the Pirates. The left-handed-hitting Manzardo leads the Guardians with six homers, 16 RBI and 11 walks.
On the six-game trip through Baltimore and Pittsburgh, Manzardo hit .250 (5 for 20) after going 1 for 8 in two games against the Orioles.
Manzardo’s go-ahead sacrifice fly came against right-hander Dennis Santana after José Ramírez had moved Jhonkensy Noel, the automatic runner, to third base on a groundout.
He sent an 0-2 fastball to left field to break a 4-4 tie.
“I’m trying to drive him early, but once I fell behind real quick at 0-2, it just turned into trying to find a way to get the ball to the outfield to get home that run,” said Manzardo.
Manzardo made just his fourth start of the season at first base on Sunday. He ended the fourth inning by robbing Jared Triolo of extra bases and at least one RBI with a diving stop on the line. In the fifth he stole a hit from Adam Frazier by catching his liner while moving to his right for the second out of the inning.
“This is the product of Manzo working his tail off every single day,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. “In practice, he’s out there taking game-like reps. He hasn’t played in a week, and he goes out there today and makes two really nice plays.”
The Guardians started the six-game trip by losing two out of three in Baltimore. They more than salvaged it by taking three straight from the Pirates.
“It sets a good vibe for the long homestand,” said Manzardo.
The Guardians open a 10-game homestand Monday night against the Yankees. The Red Sox and Twins follow the Yankees to Progressive Field.
Breakfast and trivia
The Guardians bused home from Pittsburgh on Sunday night after completing a three-game sweep on Easter Sunday. If they missed Easter breakfast at the ballpark, how about making up for it today? Let’s start with some ham and eggs with an order of wheat toast. Meanwhile, consider this question: What is the Guardians’ record in their last 12 games at PNC Park? Answer below.
Next
Monday: Guardians vs. Yankees at 6:10 p.m. CLE.Guardians.TV, WTAM, WMMS and the Guardians radio network will carry the game. RHP Gavin Williams (1-1, 4.58) vs. RHP Clarke Schmidt (0-0, 4.76).
Tuesday: Guardians vs. Yankees at 6:10 p.m. CLE.Guardians.TV, WTAM, WMMS and the Guardians radio network will carry the game. RHP Tanner Bibee (1-2, 5.85) vs. RHP Will Warren (1-0, 5.17)
Wednesday: Guardians vs. Yankees at 1:10 p.m. CLE.Guardians.TV, WTAM, WMMS and the Guardians radio network will carry the game. RHP Luis Ortiz (2-2, 5.48) vs. LHP Carlos Rodón (2-3, 4.34) Wednesday.
Thursday: The Guardians have an off day.
Trivia
The Guardians have won nine of their last 12 games at PNC Park.
