The Cleveland Guardians needed a strong outing, and Slade Cecconi gave them one.
Cecconi has become a fan favorite in his first season with the team, and he earned a standing ovation as he walked off the mound.
He carried a no-hit bid into the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals, trying to become the first Cleveland pitcher to throw one since Len Baker tossed a perfect game in 1981.
Then, Michael Massey got a leadoff single.
Cecconi took care of business with a double play and a groundout to get out of trouble, finishing with three walks and three strikeouts.
Spectacular.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/qMUOCC8LHs
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) September 9, 2025
More importantly, it was a much-needed triumph against a direct rival in the race for the final AL Wild Card.
The Guardians have moved past the Royals, and defeating them in the next two meetings will be crucial to keep up with the Seattle Mariners, who hold the final playoff spot.
According to MLB.com, the Guardians have the fourth-longest streak without a no-hitter in MLB history (7,016 games).
None of that matters in the bigger scheme of things this season, as this team is pushing for a more pressing goal, looking to return to the playoffs and make another long run.
NEXT: Stephen Vogt Reveals Injury Update On Gabriel Arias
