If José Ramírez was in the NBA Jam video game, the baseballs he’s been hitting would have flames surrounding them. He’s that hot.
His 15th home run of the season punctuated a four-run Cleveland third inning. And after driving in two with that one swing, he became first Major Leaguer this year to surpass 50 RBIs.
The only thing as hot as Ramírez right now is his own team, which has won eight in a row. The Guardians also secured their sixth series victory of May after taking care of the Angels, 4-3, on Saturday night at Angel Stadium.
Ramírez’s third blast in two games in Anaheim was the result of sizing up starting pitcher Rafael Soriano. With two outs and a runner aboard, Ramírez worked the count full after falling behind 0-2 on a sinker outside and fouling off a splitter. He held off on two pitches in the dirt, fouled off another sinker, and then delivered on a knuckle curve middle-low. The drive went 365 feet, clearing the short right-field fence and the reach of Jo Adell.
Ramírez’s power and plate discipline hasn’t just been limited to what’s happened this series. In his last eight games, he’s homered six times with 14 RBIs and four strikeouts. Since May 10, he’s produced eight home runs, 21 RBIs, and seven K’s. Over his previous 19 games, Ramirez has hit 10 over the walls, has driven in 26, and has fanned just eight times.
