Canadian contingent of Quantrill, Naylor inspires Guardians to big win over Jays
Cleveland Guardians right-hander Cal Quantrill allowed one hit in seven innings and was aided by a two-run homer from fellow Canadian Josh Naylor to blank the Toronto Blue Jays 8-0 in their series opener on Friday.
The American League Central Division-leading Guardians (60-52) have won eight consecutive games, while the Blue Jays (60-51) have dropped three in a row and have won only three of their last nine outings.
Quantrill (9-5), of Port Hope, Ont., retired the first 10 batters he faced on his way to a career-high ninth victory before 41,677 at Rogers Centre.
Quantrill, son of former Blue Jays pitcher Paul Quantrill, retired the next 11 Blue Jays in a row before he was relieved by Eli Morgan. Quantrill struck out seven in his 98-pitch performance.
The Guardians have won Quantrill's last seven starts.
Cal is from Canada, by the way.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForTheLand?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForTheLand</a> <a href="https://t.co/DizZwR60OB">pic.twitter.com/DizZwR60OB</a>
Cleveland struck for five runs in the third inning, sending 10 batters to the plate. Catcher Austin Hedges was hit by a pitch. Will Benson singled to right field, and a bunt single from Steven Kwan loaded the bases.
An Amed Rosario bouncer up the middle scored two, and Kwan touched home on a sacrifice fly from Jose Ramirez. Naylor then cleared the bases with his 15th homer of the season to left field.
Playing in front of family and friends, the 25-year-old from Mississauga, Ont., continues to have a breakout season that has him at 56 RBI.
A Canadian junior teammate of Quantrill's, Naylor also singled in the fourth inning.
"Cal, obviously, is a phenomenal player, incredible pitcher," Naylor said before the game. "We've been together
