It took longer than anticipated because of a mid-game rain delay, but the Cleveland Guardians came up with their fifth straight victory after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon, 6-5.

Here are three observations and takeaways from the Guardians’ latest victory.

Triston McKenzie’s struggle with his command has been something talked about all year. It was immediately on display in his start against the Blue Jays after he walked the second batter of the game and then gave up a two-run homer to Valdimir Guerrero Jr.

Immediately going down 2-0 wasn’t ideal, but McKenzie did settle in after this. He ended up pitching 3.0 innings (cut short due to a rain delay) and struck out six batters. 

It’s nice to see Sticks bounce back to get the strikeouts, but hopefully, he can find this rhythm sooner in his next start.

Josh Naylor found himself in a little bit of a slump from the middle of May into the month of June. However, he’s been a much more productive hitter over the last two weeks, and his performance against the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon was proof Naylor is officially back in a groove at the plate.

Naylor was 3-for-5 on the day including a double towering solo home run in the fourth inning to give Cleveland their sixth run of the game. He’s now hitting .345/.367/.759 over the last seven games.

The bullpen came in huge once again and combined to give Cleveland 7.0 strong innings of work after the rain delay. Sam Hentges especially made an impression with his effort in the win.

Hentges threw 1.2 innings bridged the gap and set off the save for closer Emmanuel Clase. The lefty was taxed more than he typically was in his appearance throwing 24 pitches. However, he only allowed one hit and didn’t give up a run which was huge for this bullpen which has been heavily tasked over the last week. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ coaching search took a turn late last week with reports that Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson was “gaining steam” to become the next head coach of the Wine and Gold. This came as a shock to some as New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego was viewed as the front-runner just a week ago.

An old connection between the Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert and future Hall of Fame Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo may be the reason for this change in narrative, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line. 

“Potentially boosting Atkinson’s chances: Legendary Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is said to be an Atkinson fan,” Stein wrote on his ‘The Stein Line’ Substack. “Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, of course, is a well-known Izzo fan who graduated from Michigan State and is said to have resumed significant involvement in team affairs compared to recent years.”

There was chatter after the Cavaliers dismissed J.B. Bickerstaff that Gilbert may have an influence on who becomes the next head coach so seeing this potential impact come to fruition is not completely unexpected.

It’s also important to note that Atkinson has other connections to the Cavs such as Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen who he coached when they were all with the Brooklyn Nets a few years back.

While momentum may be building for Atkinson to be chosen for the position, Stein also reports that Borrego and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori are also still in contention as Cleveland’s front office continues to mull over arguably the biggest decision of the offseason. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A crash between two vehicles in Ohio City Sunday morning left two dead and one injured, according to Cleveland Police.

19 News was on the scene of the collision in the area of West 44th Street and Lorain Avenue.

According to Cleveland Police, the Accident Investigation Unit is looking into a two-vehicle accident that occurred around 5:50 a.m.

Police said a 58-year-old man was pronounced deceased on the scene.

A 48-year-old woman, who was also in the vehicle, was transported to the hospital where she later died, police said.

A 27-year-old man in the other vehicle was also transported to the hospital and his condition is unknown, police said.

19 News crews on the scene reported seeing a Volkswagen Microbus crushed into two pieces and Kia smashed into the nearby Dominos.

Cleveland Police, EMS and Cuyahoga Medical Examiner were on the scene of the accident.

This is a developing story. Check back with 19 News for updates.

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