Parker Messick had done an exceptional job avoiding the home run ball through his first six starts of the season. The Oakland Athletics made him pay for it in a hurry on Sunday.
The A’s hit three home runs against the rookie left-hander on a windy afternoon at Sutter Health Park, handing Cleveland a 7-1 defeat that prevented the Guardians from sweeping the series. Cleveland falls to 18-17 on the season while Oakland climbs to 18-16.
Today was not our day.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/PVW6Sp3IU4
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 3, 2026
Messick had allowed just one home run across 36.1 innings in his first six starts before Sunday’s outing. The A’s quickly reminded him that Sutter Health Park plays differently than most venues, especially on a breezy afternoon when the ball can carry in ways that punish pitches left up in the zone.
Messick finished with 5 innings pitched, allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits while striking out 6 and walking nobody. He improves to 3-1 with a 2.40 ERA on the season despite the rough outing. The overall body of work remains excellent, and the no-walk performance is another positive takeaway that has defined his 2026 season. But three home runs in five innings against a lineup Cleveland had thoroughly dominated in the first two games of the series represented a real step back.
Travis Bazzana continued to show improvement in his fourth major league game, going 2-3 with a walk.
The Guardians outscored the A’s 22-11 across the first two games of the series but were thoroughly outplayed in the finale. Cleveland leaves Sacramento having taken 2 of 3 from the AL West leaders, which is a meaningful result despite the Sunday loss.
The focus shifts immediately to Kansas City, where the Guardians open a four-game series against the Royals on Monday night at Kauffman Stadium. Tanner Bibee takes the ball against Michael Wacha at 7:40 p.m. After surviving a difficult April and entering May at .500, Cleveland needs this road trip to start a new chapter in their season.
NEXT: Young Guardians Player Is Having Big Defensive Turnaround
