by In the ninth inning of Monday night’s contest between the Cleveland Guardians and the Chicago White Sox, both teams traded blown saves. Down to their last three outs, the White Sox strung together a walk and two base hits for a walk-off 6-5 victory over Cleveland.
The win was right for the taking, and the Guardians managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
After Seranthony Domínguez blew a chance at a save after Patrick Bailey tied the game on an RBI single and was brought home on a sacrifice fly for the lead, it seemed as if it was the perfect “Guards Ball” scenario for a victory.
However, Cade Smith could not manage to lock down a two-inning save, and the Guardians will drop to 41-38.
Gavin Williams had his best outing in the month of June, allowing a pair of runs on five hits, striking out eight in five innings of work. Unfortunately for Williams, he received no run support- Cleveland did not bring home a runner until the seventh inning.
In the top frame of said seventh inning, the Guardians found themselves in a deficit after RBI base hits from Braden Montgomery and Andrew Benintendi and a solo home run from Randal Grichuk.
With the bases loaded, rookie outfielder Kahlil Watson shot a single into right field to bring home two runs. An at-bat later, Rhys Hoskins tied the game on an RBI single.
Chicago reclaimed the lead on an RBI single from Sam Antonacci in the bottom of the seventh, and in the top of the ninth, Travis Bazzana’s continuous hot streak at the plate allowed the Guardians to grab the one-run lead.
What sunk Smith and the Guardians’ chances of winning was what put the White Sox in the hole to begin with-walks. Montgomery drew a one-out walk, and Tristan Peters doubled him over to third.
Smith struck out the very next batter, Jacob Gonzales, and all the spotlight was on the battle between him and Antonacci. The former Team Italy infielder placed a perfect screamer into center field, and the White Sox walked away victorious after video review.
Standout rookie left-hander Parker Messick will be on the bump for Cleveland tomorrow, and opposite him will be right-hander Sean Burke. A 7:40 p.m. start time is scheduled for Tuesday’s contest.
