CLEVELAND — The Guardians and the New York Yankees have had a few parallels lately, which isn't something that could have been reasonably expected entering this season.

Both have been among the hottest teams in baseball lately, and they'd have the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds if the postseason started Thursday. The Yankees would own the No. 1 seed at 38-19 and are just a half-game better than the Guardians (37-19).

And both have arguably baseball's hottest hitter at the moment, a debate that would include the Yankees' Aaron Judge and the Guardians' Jose Ramirez, who is hitting .337 with a 1.202 OPS since May 5.

The Guardians welcomed the Washington Nationals to Progressive Field for a three-game series beginning Friday night.

Here's how the game unfolded.

Emmanuel Clase finishes it off; Guardians beat the Nationals 7-1

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase pitched a quick ninth inning, and he'll enter June with just one earned run allowed this season.

Steven Kwan single puts Guardians up 7-1

Make that four times on base for Steven Kwan, whose bloop single just scored Brayan Rocchio to put the Guardians up 7-1 over the Nationals in the eighth inning.

Kwan has had a terrific return from the injured list.

David Fry home run puts Guardians on top of Nationals 6-1

David Fry is just having a tremendous season.

After Josh Naylor brought home a run by beating out a would-be double play ball to keep the inning alive, Fry launched a three-run home run to the bleacher seats in left-center field.

Fry's OPS this season is 1.114 and he's hitting .352. He just keeps producing.

And, in a way, Naylor's hustle ends up being a four-run play.

Steven Kwan reaches base three times in return from injury

In his first game back, Steven Kwan has already reached base three times.

Kwan already had two singles and a run under his belt tonight, and he just drew a walk with one out in the seventh inning.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt made sure to shout out Tyler Freeman for the job he did in the leadoff spot while Kwan was sidelined, but there's a reason the latter's return is a big deal to Cleveland's lineup. Kwan's return actually also helps the team's flexibility with the No. 2 spot, with Tyler Freeman now able to slide into that spot against left-handed starters.

Misplay by Gabriel Arias allows Nationals to cut Guardians lead in half

The Nationals are on the board in the seventh inning.

With a runner on, Eddie Rosario (yes, that Eddie Rosario) doubled down the right-field line. Gabriel Arias, in right field, misplayed the ball off the wall, which allowed Luis Garcia Jr. to score in a bang-bang play.

That'll also be the end of Bibee's night, as the Guardians are turning to their bullpen in the seventh inning. Cade Smith entered the game with the potential tying run on second base, but he recorded the second out and then struck out Joey Gallo to end the inning with Cleveland up 2-1.

Tanner Bibee velocity ticking up against Nationals

Tanner Bibee's velocity is actually up a full mph tonight. He's averaged 95.6 mph with his fastball tonight, up from 94.6 mph as his season average. He's topped out at 97.6 mph.

Tanner Bibee allows one hit through five innings

Tanner Bibee is cruising against the Nationals tonight.

Bibee has allowed just one hit and one walk through five innings, and he's struck out five through five innings.

Bibee also got some help from Steven Kwan, who had a nice running grab to secure the first out in the sixth inning.

Jose Ramirez stats in May 2024 continue to pile up as Guardians extend lead over Nationals

For some weird reason, the Nationals decided to pitch to Jose Ramirez, even with first base open and Josh Naylor on deck. Naylor is a problem of his own, of course, but Ramirez has been one of the hottest hitters in the league, and Washington could have created a lefty-on-lefty situation.

It didn't cost them too much, but Ramirez did bring home a run via a groundout to third base that extended the Guardians' lead to 2-0.

It was Ramirez's 33rd RBI in the month of May, the most for a Guardians player since Jim Thome in 2001. Al Rosen holds the club record with 38 RBIs in May 1954.

Guardians, Nationals score: Cleveland takes 1-0 lead thanks to Brayan Rocchio's baserunning

The Guardians took a 1-0 lead in the third inning with some heads-up baserunning.

With two runners on, Tyler Freeman grounded a ball to the left side. It trickled away from a diving C.J. Abrams and Rocchio, who began the play at second base and had advanced to third, broke for home.

Abrams' throw beat Rocchio to the plate, but the latter slid under the tag and give the Guardians a 1-0 lead.

Below is some pregame information.

Steven Kwan injury update: Outfielder returns to Guardians lineup, will hit leadoff Friday night

The Guardians have their leadoff guy again.

Outfielder Steven Kwan has returned from the injured list and will bat leadoff in Friday's game against the Nationals.

Estevan Florial has been designated for assignment. Florial hit just .173 with a .631 OPS in what was sort of a last-ditch effort to stick in the majors after a few failed attempts with the New York Yankees.

Guardians-Nationals betting information, moneyline, over-under

For strictly entertainment purposes only, the Guardians are 1.5-run favorites over the Nationals, according to the MGM Sportsbook. The game has an over-under run total of 8.5. The moneyline is set at Guardians -225 as of Thursday.

Emmanuel Clase All-Star case being made

Emmanuel Clase has been in top form this season and has arguably been the second best reliever in the American League.

Guardians, Royals, Twins standings

The Guardians entered Thursday with a three-game lead over the Royals in the American League Central. The Twins are six games behind Cleveland.

Francisco Lindor returns to Cleveland; Revisiting the trade with the Mets

Monday night's game was Lindor's first in Cleveland since the blockbuster trade that sent him to New York prior to the 2021 season.

Lindor spoke of what he remembered most about his Cleveland days, and we broke down where the trade stands today.

Browns cornerback Denzel Ward throws a wild ceremonial first pitch at Guardians game

Browns cornerback Denzel Ward tossed the ceremonial first pitch at Tuesday's Guardians game at Progressive Field and, well, it was eventful.

Guardians City Connect uniforms unveiled

The Guardians wore their new Nike City Connect uniforms for the first time in Friday's game against the Twins.

Guardians schedule, next game

The Guardians and Nationals will complete their three-game series this weekend. Cleveland will then have an off day Monday before the Kansas City Royals come to Progressive Field for a three-game set.

How can I watch, listen or stream the Cleveland Guardians game tonight?

The game will be broadcast locally on Bally Sports. It'll be broadcast on the radio by WTAM (1100-AM) and WARF (1350-AM, Spanish broadcast).

Ryan Lewis can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com. Read more about the Guardians at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/cleveland-guardians.

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