Post-Game Live Recap

3 Things About Guardians Victory Over The Minnesota Twins:

1 – Go Gavin!

Gavin Williams went five innings only giving up one run and one hit earning his second MLB victory. 

2 – Brilliant Bullpen 

The Cleveland bullpen did not miss a beat going four strong with four different relievers only giving up one hit and zero runs.  

3 – Silly Willy 

Will Brennan provided the offense needed with an RBI single in the bottom of the 2nd and an RBI double in the bottom of the 4th.

Game Summary

In a game that had been dominated by the Minnesota Twins in the previous two outings, Rookie Gavin Williams and a quartet of relievers came together to stifle Minnesota’s offense, allowing the Cleveland Guardians to avoid a three-game sweep with a narrow 2-1 victory on Wednesday.

Despite this win, Minnesota still maintains a comfortable six-game lead over second-place Cleveland in the AL Central, with just 22 games remaining in the season. The Twins had convincingly won the first two games of the series against the reigning division champions, amassing a combined score of 28-9. However, Cleveland ultimately claimed the season series with a 7-6 record.

In stark contrast to the previous two games where the Twins appeared to score at will, Cleveland’s pitchers responded with an exceptional performance, limiting Minnesota to just two hits and striking out 11 batters. Although Minnesota managed to draw five walks, their success with runners in scoring position was limited, going just 1-for-6.

Gavin Williams (2-5) delivered an impressive performance, not allowing a hit until Andrew Stevenson’s RBI single in the fifth inning. He demonstrated excellent control, issuing four walks while striking out four. Sam Hentges, Reynaldo López, Nick Sandlin, and Emmanuel Clase each contributed a scoreless inning to secure the victory, with Clase retiring all three hitters he faced in the ninth to earn his 38th save in 47 opportunities.

Offensively, Will Brennan played a crucial role for Cleveland, driving in a run with a single in the second inning and adding another with a run-scoring double in the fourth.

Twins starter Joe Ryan (10-9) made his third start since returning from a 15-day stint on the injured list due to a strained groin. Despite his efforts, he allowed two runs in four innings.

The series had started with a bang for Minnesota, hitting six home runs and securing a commanding 20-6 victory in the opener on Monday. However, Lucas Giolito’s disappointing Cleveland debut, surrendering nine runs in just three innings, had played a significant role in that result. Guardians utility player David Fry had been called upon to pitch the final four innings, allowing seven runs. The Twins continued their dominance with five runs in the eighth inning, securing an 8-3 win on Tuesday.

Gavin Williams had previously faced Minnesota the week before but was removed after just one inning due to a knee injury. His sole win prior to Wednesday had come against Kansas City on July 8.

Williams received significant support from his outfield defense in the second inning, with Brennan making a fantastic sliding catch near the left field line and Myles Straw tracking down a challenging line drive in left-center despite a hard landing on his left shoulder.

The third inning came to a halt when Williams skillfully snatched Royce Lewis’s line drive straight back to the mound.

The game was briefly delayed by rain for 1 hour and 6 minutes in the bottom of the third inning.

Up Next

Cal Quantrill (2-6, 6,16 ERA) is the scheduled starter in the opener of a four-game road series Thursday night against the Los Angeles Angels.

Thursday 9/7 9:38 PM EST – Game 1 at Los Angeles Angels

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