Bell’s 2 homers help Arizona take doubleheader sweep vs. Cleveland | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

CLEVELAND — Josh Bell homered twice and drove in three runs, Eduardo Rodriguez went 5 2/3 innings to win his season debut and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-3 to sweep a doubleheader Wednesday.

In the first game, Arizona received two-run homers from Ketel Marte, Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll in a 7-3 victory. The Diamondbacks won their seventh straight series and moved into the first National League wild-card spot.

“Where do I start? There were so many guys who came through for us,” Arizona Manager Torey Lovullo said. “I was especially happy for Eduardo because it’s been a long runway for him. He likes pitching here, which is why we targeted this series.”

Rodriguez, who joined Arizona on a four-year contract in December, had been sidelined with a left shoulder strain. He gave up three runs and is 7-0 with a 2.51 ERA in nine career starts against Cleveland.

Justin Martinez loaded the bases in the ninth before striking out Lane Thomas to end the game, earning his second save of the series and his career. The Diamondbacks are 24-9 since June 29.

“I feel great, everything went very well,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve missed 70% of the season, but the fun part is being able to come right in and help the team win important games.”

Catcher Adrian Del Castillo made his major league debut — doubling in a run in his initial plate appearance — and Randal Grichuk had a solo homer for Arizona.

“Honestly, I blacked out when I got to second base,” Del Castillo said. “It was everything I’ve dreamed of.”

The Guardians extended their longest losing streak of the season to five, but lead the American League Central by 3 1/2 games over Minnesota. Their 35-20 home record remains the best in baseball.

Jose Ramirez and David Fry both homered for Cleveland, with Ramirez hitting his 30th. Carlos Carrasco (3-10) allowed four runs and both Bell blasts in 4 1/3 innings for the loss.

“He’s hot, but those two pitches that I threw to him, he just went and got it,” Carrasco said.

In the opener, Diamondbacks starter Brandon Pfaadt (6-6) retired the first 12 batters and worked 6 1/3 innings of two-run ball. Ben Lively (10-7) gave up four runs in five innings, including home runs to Perdomo and Carroll.

“The results of these last five days, we don’t like, but it’s Aug. 7, and we’re going through it for the first time,” Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt said. “And it’s not the way we’re playing, it’s the results.”

Carroll also saved a run by throwing out Daniel Schneemann at the plate for a double play. He caught Bo Naylor’s fly ball near the foul line in right and fired a laser to Jose Herrera, who made a sweeping tag.

Thanks to multiple rainouts, Cleveland will play consecutive doubleheaders. The Guardians and the Twins have a twin-bill Friday at Target Field.

   Arizona Diamondbacks’ Josh Bell gestures as he runs to home plate with a home run in the second inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Arizona Diamondbacks’ Eduardo Rodriguez pitches in the first inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Cleveland Guardians’ Josh Naylor slides behind Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Adrian Del Castillo, front, in the fourth inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Cleveland Guardians’ Angel Martinez hits a sacrifice fly to score Josh Naylor in the fourth inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Cleveland Guardians’ Carlos Carrasco pitches in the first inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Arizona Diamondbacks’ Geraldo Perdomo celebrates his home run with teammates in the second inning of the first game of a baseball doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Arizona Diamondbacks’ Jose Herrera gestures at second base after hitting a double in the eighth inning of the first game of a baseball doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Cleveland Guardians’ Josh Naylor grounds out in front of Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera, left, in the eighth inning of the first game of a baseball doubleheader in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
     Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jose Herrera, left, tags out Cleveland Guardians’ Daniel Schneemann, right, at home plate in the fifth inning in the first baseball game of a doubleheader in Cleveland, Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)