The Cleveland Guardians had been struggling in recent games, to put it lightly. The offense, in particular, has been dreadful in the last few days.
On Wednesday, however, they finally stopped the bleeding and put a halt to their four-game losing streak, beating the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 and avoiding a series sweep. They also leveled their record to an even .500, at 16-16.
A good way to get back on track!#GuardsBall | #GuardiWins pic.twitter.com/7MRIZEzCMb
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) April 29, 2026
The start of the game was delayed due to rain, but in the end, Mother Nature allowed fans at Progressive Field to watch some baseball and a Guardians win, too.
Right-hander Gavin Williams was magnificent on the mound. He pitched 7.2 innings in which he surrendered just one run, which was unearned. He gave up five hits and walked no one, striking out nine to lower his season ERA to an incredible 2.70.
Williams has been one of the most reliable pitchers in the American League this year. He appears to be blossoming into a true ace right before our eyes.
The home team opened the scoring in the bottom of the third. Brayan Rocchio singled and proceeded to steal second base. Steven Kwan grounded out, but Chase DeLauter walked, and Jose Ramirez reached safely on a fielder’s choice to load the bases. Then, Kyle Manzardo hit a sac fly to produce the first run of the game.
In the fifth, Rocchio reached on an error and went to third on a Kwan double. DeLauter then plated both with a clutch two-run single that gave Cleveland a 3-0 lead, more than enough to get the win given how dominant Williams was.
The Rays cut Cleveland’s lead to two in the top of the seventh, when a Travis Bazzana throwing error facilitated Yandy Diaz’s run from first base towards home. Defense is actually one of the few concerns attached to the former first-round pick’s game.
Erik Sabrowski navigated some trouble but got the last out of the eighth inning with a huge strikeout, and Cade Smith locked down the save.
The Guardians will now enjoy a day off on Thursday as they embark on another road trip. They will be facing the Athletics and the Royals away from home.
NEXT: One Guardians Pitcher Is Already In The Cy Young Conversation
