The Cleveland Guardians continue to play their best baseball when it matters most.
They’re better in the second half of games, and they held on to beat a strong NL team in their series opener on the road against the New York Mets.
Unfortunately for starter Slade Cecconi, he didn’t factor in the decision.
However, he still gave the Guardians another quality start.
Yet, he’s far from satisfied, and when asked about his six-inning performance, the right-hander was brutally honest.
“Going deep into ballgames is really important,” Cecconi said. “I don’t want to call myself an innings eater. I feel like I have the potential to be a dominant presence on the mound when I take it. We are ironing out a lot of little things every week to ensure that I will have my dominant stuff more often.”
Cecconi gave up three runs (two earned) on four hits with one walk and six strikeouts in the 7-6, 10-inning win.
He was dominant to begin the game, shutting out the Mets through the first five innings.
Then, Pete Alonso got him with a three-run homer in the sixth inning.
Yet, Cecconi has plenty to be proud of right now.
He’s heating up at the right time, logging his fifth quality start in his past six outings.
He’s also been on the mound for at least five innings in all but two of his 14 starts this season.
He’s posted a 3.72 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP, 69 strikeouts and 23 walks in 82.1 innings.
He’ll look to keep the momentum going when he takes on the Chicago White Sox on the road in his next start.
NEXT: Nic Enright Notches Big Career Feat Against Mets
