CLEVELAND — Mike ClevingerHe kept it together for as long he could.
After his elbow surgery, he was finally able to return to the major league mound. However, there were a lockout and a knee sprain that delayed his return. San DiegoClevinger was unable to control his emotions.
Clevinger spoke Wednesday, cracking his voice as he choked back tears. “I wasn’t sure I was going pitch again.” “This is huge.”
Clevinger’s first start after Tommy John surgery in 2020 was impressive. Manny MachadoHit a two-run homer to help the Padres win the Cleveland Guardians5-4 in the opening game of a doubleheader.
Machado made his connection in the third innings Zach Plesac(1-3) Austin NolaThe sixth game saw the Padres win for the sixth consecutive time after a decisive RBI double.
Steven Wilson(3-0), won the game despite walking two batters in the fifth. Taylor Rodgers threw the ninth to earn his 10th save.
Padres rookie MacKenzie GoreCleveland’s will be the opponent in Game 2. Cal Quantrill.
Clevinger’s joyous return was a relief for him, who underwent surgery just months after he had pitched in Game 1 (NLDS) two years ago. He was only months away from being traded from Cleveland and San Diego. The right-hander faced his old team and Plesac (one of his closest friends), and allowed four runs and four hits.
Clevinger was only one out from a win, before Bob Melvin pulled him after 95 pitches.
Clevinger was grateful for the opportunity to compete again, even though winning would have been an added bonus.
Clevinger said, as he stood outside San Diego’s clubhouse in between games, “It’s been an extremely long road and it’s not easy but I can’t thank all the people who helped me.”
Clevinger was leading 3-1 at the time he walked. He had spent more than four seasons with Cleveland and was traded in 2020. Myles StrawWith one out in the fifth. He put on José Ramírez with two down before being replaced by Wilson, who gave up a walk and Josh Naylor‘s tied two-run single.
Clevinger lobbyized Melvin to end the inning.
Clevinger said “I really appreciate Bob for giving me a chance” and “and was lobbying to get it hard and I’m glad that he let me try and go after Josey that last time.” I knew that I would not allow him to beat me.
“I was going make him swing outside of the zone. Being the hitter that he is I couldn’t let him win the game. I did what I had the right to do and it didn’t go my way.”
However, the Padres came back to score two in the sixth after Nola’s double off. Enyel De Los SantosAnd Jake CronenworthLet’s sacrifice fly.
Clevinger’s scheduled return was delayed one day after Tuesday’s series opener had been postponed because of rain and a forecast that was wet.
Clevinger was not able to enjoy San Diego’s weather conditions when he took the mound. Progressive Field was engulfed by low-hanging clouds in the first innings.
Machado’s fifth run home put Clevinger and Padres up by 3-0 in third.
Cronenworth was able to reach with one out because of an error made by Naylor in the first. Machado batted.386 in April and drove a 1-1 pitch through the wall in middle.
BAKER’S DOZENS & DOZENS
Terry Francona, Guardians manager, gave Dusty Baker a big smile and heaped praise for his 2,000th career victory.
Francona said, “I’m happy to Dusty,” and entered the day with 1,792 wins. “It’s cool when good things happen for good people, and he definitely qualifies on both counts.”
Baker became the first Black manager ever to achieve this milestone on Tuesday night. Houston AstrosSeattle beat him 4-0. He is the 12th manager ever to surpass 2,000. This marks his permanent induction into the Hall of Fame.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Padres: 1B Luke Voit(bicep tightness) was 0 for 2. He did a walk, run, and strikeout in Tuesday’s first game of his rehab assignment at Triple-A El Paso. Voit could be activated by San Diego’s injured list.
Guardians INF Yu ChangFollowing being placed on COVID last month, Chang is continuing to make good progress in the minors. Chang was transferred to Triple-A Columbus Tuesday for rehab.
UP NEXT
Padres: San Diego returns for weekend series against Miami. Nick Martinez (1-2) starts Thursday’s opener against Marlins RHP Jesús Luzardo (2-1).
Guardians: On Thursday, open a home series of four against Toronto Aaron Civale (0-2) facing Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (2-0).