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N&N: Feeling bad for rebuilding Cardinals, Guards hand away win
TL;DR
The Cleveland Guardians lost to the St. Louis Cardinals after leading 5-2 in the eighth inning. Manager Stephen Vogt's decision to replace George Valera with Juan Brito backfired, leading to critical errors that allowed the Cardinals to tie the game and eventually win in extras.
Apr 12, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) on the field making a pitching change against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Angel Martinez’s continued possible breakout put the Guardians up 5-2 in the top of the 8th. The Guardians always win when they lead 5-2 in the top of the 8th.
Following an RBI double by George Valera that made it 3-2, Martinez added one of his own that brought 2 more runs in. But in between, Stephen Vogt made a move that cost him the game. Valera was replaced by the even slower Juan Brito on the bases, because the team…… doesn’t trust Valera to…… not hurt himself running? I guess? (Leave him in AAA for another few days then, guys.)
Erik Sabrowski gave up two thirds of that lead in the bottom of the inning which made it 5-4. Then in the bottom of the 9th, Cade Smith retired the Cardinals 1-2-3. Oh, that’s right, I said Vogt cost the team the game. So how did that happen if there was a 1-2-3 ninth? Brito botched the third out, a routine ground ball, and then Yohei Pozo tied it. Brito’s fielding was a major issue in Goodyear, and it’s been a problem this month, too.
David Fry was also catching because he hit for Bo Naylor, and did not make any of the tough plays that an elite catcher makes some of.
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Q&A
What decision did Guardians manager Stephen Vogt make that affected the game outcome?
Stephen Vogt replaced George Valera with Juan Brito, which led to critical errors that contributed to the Guardians' loss.
How did the Guardians' lead change in the eighth inning against the Cardinals?
The Guardians were up 5-2 in the eighth inning, but Erik Sabrowski allowed two runs, narrowing the lead to 5-4.
What error did Juan Brito make that impacted the game against the Cardinals?
Juan Brito botched a routine ground ball that allowed the Cardinals to tie the game, which was a significant factor in the Guardians' defeat.