Jose Ramirez once again proved why he's the cornerstone of the Cleveland Guardians. In a 9-5 spring training victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ramirez showcased his power with a 386-foot, three-run homer in the fifth inning. The ball rocketed off his bat at 105.7 mph, giving the Guardians a comfortable lead.
Ramirez wrapped up the day with two hits and four RBIs, leading Cleveland's offensive charge. While spring training stats don't impact the standings, Ramirez's form at the plate is a promising sign as the regular season looms.
The Guardians' lineup displayed impressive balance. Steven Kwan and Chase DeLauter contributed offensively, Bo Naylor added two hits, and Jonathan Rodriguez reached base and scored.
On the pitching side, Tanner Bibee started strong, throwing two scoreless innings with just one hit allowed and a strikeout. The bullpen, featuring Matt Festa, Tim Herrin, and Kolby Allard, maintained the lead despite Arizona's late efforts.
Ramirez’s homer was the standout moment. After securing a long-term deal with Cleveland, he continues to demonstrate his value. His knack for game-changing plays remains unmatched on the team.
For a squad aiming to boost its offense after last year's inconsistencies, Ramirez's early-season form is encouraging. If he keeps delivering with such authority, the Guardians' lineup could pose a significant threat once the games matter.
Monday's game underscored that when Ramirez is on fire, Cleveland often follows suit.