Gavin Williams was magnificent today. He recorded 23 outs, giving up 1 (unearned) run and striking out *9* Rays. It was one of his best outings. The sole run allowed came after Bazzana threw a double play ball down the third base line (the video evidence of which I will be leaving out of this article). Gavin had everything working for him today.
He was throwing everything in the zone, and managed to only walk one batter on a HBP. Unfortunately, Statcast went down around the 5th inning, so all data
recorded after that is, at least for now, unavailable. ABS was also down, which is weird to see now that I’ve gotten used to having it. Anyway, Gavin was fantastic. A true “ace” start for him.
The offense was better today, but I can always find ways to complain. They had the bases loaded in the 3rd, but managed to only record 1 run off a Kyle Manzardo sacrifice fly. But, in the 5th, Rocchio led off the inning with an infield single. Kwan followed that up with an *100.4* mph double down the first base line. DeLauter, with the infield brought in, hit a ground ball back up the middle that scored both Rocchio and Kwan.
(Naturally, DeLauter goes 2/3 with a walk and 2 RBI the day I publish an article talking about his struggles). DeLauter is riding a 5-game hit streak during which he’s slashing .438/.471/.500. You’d like to see more power, but seeing the results come in will hopefully spur some more slug.
Gavin was pulled in the 8th after two consecutive two-out singles. Sabrowski was brought on in relief, and struck out Aranda to end the inning. Cade came on to pitch a scoreless 9th, striking out 2 Rays.
The Guardians play the Athletics this weekend. It’ll be Cantillo-Cecconi-Messick.
