BOSTON — Foster Griffin gave the Guardians six strong innings Wednesday night. Cleveland’s offense gave him nothing, and one run was enough to end the team’s winning streak.
Andruw Monasterio lined a two-out single into left field during the sixth inning, scoring Jarren Duran with the only run in Boston’s 1-0 victory at Fenway Park. The loss snapped Cleveland’s six-game winning streak and dropped the Guardians to 82-76, but they remained one game ahead of the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central after Chicago lost 5-4 to Kansas City.
Cleveland had few answers for Sonny Gray, who retired the first eight batters he faced. Patrick Bailey singled during the third inning but was erased when Steven Kwan grounded into a double play.
The Guardians created their first real opportunity during the fourth. Kwan singled, José Ramírez reached on a fielder’s choice and stole second, and Jo Adell drew a walk. Gray escaped when he struck out Travis Bazzana, leaving both runners stranded.
Griffin allowed at least one hit in each of the first five innings but repeatedly worked out of trouble. Boston loaded the bases during the third before Griffin struck out Duran, then put runners at second and third during the fifth before Roman Anthony lined out to Kwan.
The Red Sox finally broke through during the sixth. Duran opened the inning with a single and advanced to second when Caleb Durbin grounded out. After Trevor Story flied out, Monasterio singled to left and Duran beat Kwan’s throw to the plate.
Boston’s bullpen made the run stand. Tayron Guerrero struck out the side after walking Bazzana to begin the seventh, while Garrett Whitlock survived Cleveland’s best late opportunity during the eighth. Brayan Rocchio singled and Ramírez walked with one out, but Chase DeLauter grounded into an inning-ending double play.
Aroldis Chapman struck out the side during the ninth to record his 38th save. Gray earned the victory after allowing four hits and one walk over six scoreless innings.
Griffin took the loss despite allowing one run on 10 hits over six innings. He did not walk a batter, struck out seven and threw 65 of his 83 pitches for strikes. Tim Herrin, Matt Festa and Shawn Armstrong combined for three scoreless innings out of Cleveland’s bullpen.
The Guardians finished with five hits—all singles—and three walks while striking out nine times. Kwan had two hits, but Cleveland went hitless with runners in scoring position and left six runners on base.
Griffin kept giving the offense opportunities to change the game. The Guardians never found the hit they needed.
What’s Next: Cleveland concludes its three-game series against Boston Thursday at Fenway Park. Ranger Suárez is scheduled to start for the Red Sox, while the Guardians have not announced their starter. First pitch is set for 6:45 p.m.
