Kolby Allard shines in his debut and David Fry homers as the Guardians beat the Rockies 5-0 on July 31, 2025, to complete a dominant series sweep. Recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you have this Guardians team figured out, they find a new way to impress. Cleveland capped off a dominant three-game sweep of the Colorado Rockies with a decisive 5-0 victory on Thursday, but the story of the day was the man making his debut on the mound. In his very first start for the Guardians, Kolby Allard pitched like a seasoned ace, setting the tone for a complete team victory that has the city buzzing.
The Guardians completed a three-game sweep of the Rockies, outscoring them by a staggering 20-4 margin across the series.
Called up from Columbus to make his Guardians debut, lefty Kolby Allard looked anything but a newcomer. He masterfully carved through the Rockies' lineup for five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out five. Allard was efficient and aggressive, throwing first-pitch strikes to 11 batters and earning a stellar 63 game score. For a team always looking for reliable starting pitching, this was more than just a pleasant surprise; it was a potential game-changer.
While Allard was dealing, the offense gave him all the support he'd need in the very first inning. David Fry, continuing his fantastic season, launched a 383-foot, two-run homer to left field to give Cleveland an immediate 2-0 lead. The Guardians played their signature brand of baseball from there, adding runs via a Brayan Rocchio sacrifice fly, a Kyle Manzardo RBI single, and a run-scoring double from the veteran Carlos Santana. It was a complete offensive effort from top to bottom.
After Allard's brilliant five frames, the Guardians' bullpen slammed the door shut with authority. The formidable quintet of Jake Junis, Matt Festa, Hunter Gaddis, Will Smith, and Nic Enright combined for four scoreless innings of relief, allowing just two hits and striking out four. The Rockies were helpless, managing only five hits all game. This combined shutout is a testament to the depth and dominance of Cleveland's pitching staff, from the starter to the very last man out of the 'pen.
With the trade deadline in the rearview mirror, the Guardians are proving they have the pieces to win right now. This sweep was a statement, showcasing dominance on the mound and timely hitting. As they head into the crucial month of August with new faces like Kolby Allard stepping up, Cleveland is building serious momentum and looks like a true force in the American League.
