In Seattle, the Guardians showcased their resilience with a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Mariners in 10 innings at T-Mobile Park. Despite starter Joey Cantillo exiting early, Cleveland's bullpen and offense delivered when it mattered most.
The Guardians' offense took a while to ignite but once they did, they were unstoppable. José Ramirez, as usual, sparked the rally, with Steven Kwan and rookie Chase DeLauter playing pivotal roles.
DeLauter, in particular, was on fire, homering for the fourth time in three games. But the unsung heroes were the bullpen, holding the Mariners to just one run over the final 6 1/3 innings.
Cade Smith's ninth-inning hiccup, allowing Julio Rodriguez's two-out single to tie the game, set the stage for a dramatic 10th inning. The Guardians responded by scoring three runs off Mariners' closer Andrés Muñoz, highlighted by DeLauter’s clutch two-run homer.
Kwan initiated the extra-inning rally with a bunt single, bringing home Brayan Rocchio thanks to a throwing error. DeLauter then sealed the deal with his blast to left field.
The Mariners attempted a comeback with Luke Raley’s two-run homer off Connor Brogdon, but Brogdon held firm to secure the save. Smith was credited with the win.
DeLauter joined elite company, becoming just the third player in MLB history to homer in his first three official big-league games, following in the footsteps of Kyle Lewis and Trevor Story.
Earlier, the Guardians clawed back from a 2-0 deficit. In the sixth, Ramirez's two-out double scored Rocchio, who had walked. Ramirez then crossed home plate on Kyle Manzardo’s single, tying the game at 2-2.
Ramirez’s double was a milestone, marking his 400th career double, placing him alongside franchise legends Nap Lajoie and Tris Speaker. He is now the eighth active player to achieve this feat.
Seattle initially took a 1-0 lead in the second inning with Victor Robles’ two-out double. They extended it to 2-0 in the fourth, capitalizing on Cantillo's control issues and a wild pitch.
Cantillo struggled, needing 91 pitches to get through just 3 2/3 innings. Matt Festa, making his season debut, steadied the ship briefly for the Guardians, retiring five straight before Tim Herrin took over. Herrin navigated through a Mariners threat in the sixth with poise.
The Guardians’ bullpen faced more pressure in the seventh, but Shawn Armstrong came through, shutting down the Mariners in the seventh and eighth innings, setting the stage for Smith and the eventual extra-inning heroics.
Looking ahead, RHP Slade Cecconi (7-7, 4.30 ERA) is set to face off against RHP Emerson Hancock (4-5, 4.90 ERA) on Sunday night. Fans can catch the action on Peacock, WTAM/1100, and ESPN radio.