Ben Lively and four relievers combined on a four-hitter, Brayan Rocchio had an RBI single for the go-ahead run and the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Sunday.
Cade Smith, Tim Herrin, Hunter Gaddis and Emmanuel Clase wrapped up Cleveland’s 12th shutout. Clase finished for his career-high 45th save, taking over the major league lead from St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley and moving within one of tying Jose Mesa’s franchise record.
Lively (12-9) worked five-plus innings in his best start in seven weeks, giving up two hits in the first and two in the sixth. The right-hander struck out two, helping the Guardians reduce their magic number for clinching a playoff berth to four.
Rocchio singled in Daniel Schneemann in the second, putting the Guardians ahead 1-0. They added a run in the fourth when Angel Martínez scored on a delayed double-steal attempt, despite José Ramírez being thrown out at second base.
Rays starter Taj Bradley (6-11) dropped his career-high seventh straight decision, allowing two runs in 4 1/3 innings with six strikeouts. The righty threw 32 of his 99 pitches in the first, loading the bases before escaping unscathed.