Diamondbacks strike early in victory over Guardians

CLEVELAND — Christian Walker hit a three-run homer, Alek Thomas had a two-run double and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Guardians 6-3 on Tuesday night to stop a four-game losing streak.

Carson Kelly hit a solo homer, had three hits and scored two runs for the Diamondbacks, who never trailed in winning at Progressive Field for the first time since Aug. 13, 2014.

Zac Gallen (6-2) allowed three runs, six hits and three walks in 5⅔ innings. He struck out five.

Kyle Nelson, Joe Mantiply and Ian Kennedy retired the Guardians' last 10 batters. Kennedy struck out the side in the ninth for his fifth save, all on the road.

The Guardians got two hits and two RBIs from Luke Maile and a run-scoring single from All-Star José Ramírez.

Right-hander Triston McKenzie (7-8) surrendered Walker’s three-run drive in the first and lost his second consecutive start. He struck out seven in six innings and gave up five runs, four earned.

The trade deadline passed without a significant move by the Guardians, who have the youngest team in the majors and unexpectedly find themselves in playoff contention.

“The guys in there deserve the right not to lose their jobs,” said Guardians manager Terry Francona, whose team has won 10 of its last 16. “I like our direction.”

Thomas’ two-run double in the fifth extended the Diamondbacks' lead to 5-2, plating Kelly and Sergio Alcántara. Kelly hit a solo shot off Enyel De Los Santos in the seventh.

Steven Kwan doubled to extend his hitting streak to 16 games, longest by a Cleveland rookie since Michael Brantley in 2010.

Rapid fall

Guardians designated Franmil Reyes, who had 30 homers and 85 RBIs last season, was optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Reyes, a 27-year-old slugger, is batting .213 with nine home runs and 104 strikeouts in 263 at-bats.

“At this point, he’s going to have to work through it at Triple-A,” President of Baseball Operations Chris Antonetti said. “Hopefully, Franmil can get back on track and find his way back here.”

Reyes was replaced on the roster by rookie rookie outfielder Oscar Gonzalez, who had been on the injured list since June 30 with a right abdominal strain.

“I don’t know how it happened, it just started to hurt,” said Gonzalez, who has a .285 average in 32 games. “I’m happy to be back because I’m able to help the team.”

Trainer's room

Guardians: Right-hander Aaron Civale (right wrist sprain) threw a 40-pitch bullpen at Progressive Field and will make a rehab appearance this weekend, either for Columbus or Double-A Akron.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Christian Walker powers Diamondbacks to win over Guardians