Cecconi's Stellar Performance Secures Guardians' Victory

Slade Cecconi delivered a standout performance, pitching seven innings and allowing just six hits, as the Cleveland Guardians triumphed over the Athletics 3-0 in the series finale on Sunday. This marked a career-high outing for Cecconi, who improved his record to 3-3 in his seventh start for Cleveland.

Emmanuel Clase faced a tense moment in the ninth inning, entering with the bases loaded. After issuing a walk and allowing singles to Tyler Soderstrom and JJ Bleday, he managed to strike out pinch-hitter Max Muncy and secured the final out with a groundout from Lawrence Butler, notching his second consecutive save and 18th overall in 21 opportunities.

The Guardians took an early lead against A's starter JP Sears, scoring two runs in the second inning. Angel Martínez initiated the rally with a walk, stole second base, and later crossed home plate on Gabriel Arias' single. Nolan Jones followed up with a double that brought Arias home.

In the fifth inning, Steven Kwan added to the score with a single that set up David Fry's two-out base hit, bringing the score to 3-0. Sears, who has struggled recently, allowed three runs and seven hits over five innings, marking his fifth loss in the last eight starts.

Jack Perkins made his major league debut for the Athletics in the seventh inning, impressively pitching three scoreless frames while allowing only one hit and striking out two batters.

With this victory, Cleveland's record stands at 39-37, concluding their West Coast trip with a 4-5 mark. Looking ahead, Clase will face challenges as he prepares for upcoming games.

The Athletics are set to start right-hander Luis Severino (2-7, 4.42 ERA) against left-hander Tarik Skubal (8-2, 2.06), the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, on Tuesday in Detroit. Meanwhile, the Guardians will send left-hander Logan Allen (5-4, 4.21 ERA) to the mound against the visiting Blue Jays, who have yet to announce their starting pitcher.