Guardians 3-1 Win Ends Losing Streak Against Rays

This article recaps a pivotal day for the Cleveland Guardians. They snapped their recent skid by beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1, thanks to a dominant start from Gavin Williams. Chase DeLauter and Brayan Rocchio sparked the offense and helped put the Rays’ six-game win streak to bed. Both teams have some interesting matchups coming up.

Gavin Williams dominates as Guardians snap skid

Cleveland Guardians right-hander Gavin Williams took the mound and made it look easy. He struck out nine over 7 2/3 innings and gave up just one unearned run.

Williams now joins a select group of MLB pitchers this season with at least three starts of seven innings or more. He’s become a steady workhorse for a team fighting through a tight stretch run.

On the other side, Drew Rasmussen battled for Tampa Bay. He lasted five innings, allowed three runs (two earned), and struck out six.

The Guardians broke through in the fifth, turning a two-out threat into a three-run cushion. Williams worked efficiently, and Cleveland’s timely hits put the Rays on their heels early in the late innings.

Two Guardians hitters really made a difference. Chase DeLauter picked up two hits and drove in a pair, including a sharp single up the middle in the fifth that made it 3-0.

Brayan Rocchio chipped in with three hits and scored twice. He helped plate Cleveland’s first run with a sacrifice fly after Kyle Manzardo lined out in the third.

The fifth-inning rally kicked off when Rocchio reached on a fielding error by Rays first baseman Jonathan Aranda. That set the table for a productive stretch.

• Williams: 7 2/3 innings, 9 strikeouts, 1 unearned run
• DeLauter: 2 hits, 2 RBIs
• Rocchio: 3 hits, 2 runs, pivotal two-out rally setup
• Rasmussen: 5 innings, 3 runs (2 earned), 6 strikeouts

Rally setup and Rays’ lone answer

The fifth inning really swung things. Rocchio reached on a fielding error, and then Steven Kwan ripped a run-scoring double to put Cleveland ahead.

DeLauter followed with a two-out RBI single, stretching the lead to 3-0. That gave Williams all the cushion he needed.

The Rays finally got on the board in the seventh. Rookie second baseman Travis Bazzana made a throwing error on a potential double play, letting Yandy Díaz score.

Cleveland closer Cade Smith handled the ninth for his seventh save in nine tries. Williams improved to 5-1 on the year, and he’s looking like a real backbone for the Guardians as they try to keep pace in the AL Central.

Late-inning defense and bullpen notes

Tampa Bay’s loss snapped a six-game winning streak. It was also the first time in a week they’d allowed more than two runs.

The Rays now head home for a six-game homestand starting Friday against the San Francisco Giants, with Shane McClanahan set to start. The Guardians, after an off day Thursday, travel to Oakland. Lefty Joey Cantillo will get the ball Friday, giving Cleveland another shot to gain ground in the division race.

What’s next for Cleveland and Tampa Bay

Both teams have some big series coming up. These matchups could shake up their momentum as the season rolls on.

• Tampa Bay Rays: They’ll kick off a six-game homestand on Friday against the Giants. McClanahan gets the start in the opener.
• Cleveland Guardians: After a Thursday off day, they head out to Oakland. Cantillo takes the mound Friday as Cleveland keeps chasing a playoff spot.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Guardians beat Rays 3-1 to snap skid