Jose Ramirez‘s mental mistake and fielding error cost Cleveland in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, a day after his bat helped boost the Guardians to an opening win.
He left third base uncovered on Chandler Simpson‘s fourth-inning infield chopper, then misplayed Ben Williamson‘s grounder for an error that led to three unearned runs as the Tampa Bay Rays evened the best-of-seven series with a 3-1 win Tuesday night.
Game 2 was scoreless with Victor Mesa Jr. on first and two outs in the fourth when Simpson beat out a high chopper to shortstop Brayan Rocchio.
Ramirez, shifted toward second base on the left-handed hitter, took a few steps toward Simpson and watched the shortstop throw to first. Seeing third base uncovered, Mesa rounded second and sped to third standing up as Ramirez tried in vain to catch up.
Four pitches later, Williamson hit a two-hopper that struck the edge of where the artificial turf meets the dirt near third. The ball skipped between Ramirez’s legs into left, allowing Mesa to score.
Liam Hicks pulled Parker Messick‘s next pitch, a slider, into right-center for a two-run single and a 3-0 lead.
Chase DeLauter provided the only Cleveland offense with an rbi double in the seventh.
Game 3 back in Cleveland Thursday night.
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