Guardians top A's 4-2 on July 18, 2025, as José Ramírez's clutch double and a Josh Naylor HR secure the win. See how Cleveland is fighting back to .500!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's starting to feel like something is clicking at Progressive Field. For the second straight night, the Cleveland Guardians found a way to win, grinding out a 4-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics. Behind a quality start from Slade Cecconi and timely power from the heart of the order, the Guardians are clawing their way back toward .500, showing the kind of fight fans have been desperate to see.
José Ramírez's go-ahead RBI double in the sixth inning broke a 2-2 tie and proved to be the decisive blow.
Slade Cecconi was exactly what the Guardians needed on the mound Friday night. The right-hander was sharp, navigating the A's lineup to improve his record to 5-4 on the season. But it was the offense that provided the late-game heroics. After Oakland tied it up, who else but José Ramírez stepped up, lacing a clutch, go-ahead double in the sixth inning to put Cleveland ahead for good. For good measure, Josh Naylor launched a solo home run, his multi-hit night providing crucial insurance. The bullpen slammed the door, and just like that, the Guardians have a two-game winning streak and a 46-49 record.
While the big-league club was battling for a win, the future of the organization got a major vote of confidence. Baseball America's latest review of the 2025 MLB Draft praised the Guardians' strategy of targeting high-upside power bats. The team's top picks, outfielder Jace LaViolette (No. 27) and shortstop Dean Curley (No. 64), were seen as savvy selections—both were top-15 talents who slipped due to down seasons. Cleveland doubled down on power with Oklahoma State's Nolan Schubart in the third round, adding another slugger to the pipeline. The theme is clear: the front office is hunting for future middle-of-the-order thump.
To support the current push, the Guardians made a familiar move ahead of Friday's game, recalling right-handed reliever Nic Enright from Triple-A Columbus. It's Enright's fourth trip to the big leagues this season, providing a fresh arm and added depth for manager Stephen Vogt to deploy during this crucial homestand. It’s a small move, but one that shows the team is focused on maximizing its chances to win every single night.
Two straight wins, a glimpse into a power-packed future, and a team showing real grit—it was a good day to be a Guardians fan. Now, the focus shifts to winning the series against Oakland and continuing this climb back to .500. With a little momentum on their side, the Guardians look to keep the good times rolling at Progressive Field this weekend.
