The Cleveland Guardians are finally showing some signs of life.
They completed a series sweep of the Houston Astros for the first time since May 2017, and it was their first series sweep of the season since late April against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Starting pitcher Slade Cecconi had plenty to do with that, dominating in the series finale with a career-high nine strikeouts.
He allowed five hits and two runs with two walks over seven innings.
According to Guardians Prospective, Cecconi has a 2.60 ERA with 36 strikeouts over 34.2 innings in his past six starts.
Cleveland #Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi struckout a career high 9 Astros batters tonight allowing just two runs over seven innings of work picking up the win.
Line – 7.0(IP) 5H 2R 2ER 2BB 9SO
(98 Pitches 66 Strikes)
Last six starts:
– 34.2(IP) 30H 10ER 11BB 36SO 2.60 ERA… pic.twitter.com/smH20I1cLt
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) July 10, 2025
Cecconi, who’s 4-4 this season, carried a shutout into the eighth inning.
He retired 11 of 12 hitters before walking Taylor Trammell and giving up a run-scoring double to Mauricio Dubon.
Jose Altuve doubled off Guardians reliever Jakob Junis, tabbing Cecconi with his second earned run.
The Guardians need as much help as they can get right now.
The trade deadline is approaching, and though it seems highly unlikely that the Guardians will even consider bringing in help, getting back on track might at least prevent them from blowing up the roster.
They will need their pitching to provide strong outings like this, especially if their offense continues to struggle.
Cecconi is establishing himself as a steady contributor to the rotation.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals A Big Concern About Shane Bieber's Future
