Cecconi Shines as Guardians Triumph Over Athletics 8-6
In a standout performance, Slade Cecconi pitched a career-high 8 1/3 innings, leading the Cleveland Guardians to an 8-6 victory over the Athletics on Friday night. Johnathan Rodríguez celebrated his first major league home run, while David Fry also contributed with a homer of his own.
The Guardians, who have now won seven of their last eight games after a challenging 10-game losing streak, saw José Ramírez add two extra-base hits to the mix. The offensive surge was crucial in securing the win.
On the other side, Athletics' All-Star Brent Rooker marked a milestone with his 100th career home run, and Shea Langeliers added a solo shot in the seventh inning, attempting to rally his team.
Cecconi (5-4) faced eight hits and allowed six runs while striking out two batters. He started strong, retiring the first 12 Athletics batters before Rooker connected for a solo home run in the fifth inning.
As the game progressed, it appeared Cecconi might achieve his first complete game. However, Nick Kurtz and Rooker opened the ninth with triples, prompting a pitching change after Langeliers hit an RBI double.
Emmanuel Clase entered to close out the game, allowing Miguel Andujar to narrow the gap with an RBI double. Nevertheless, Clase struck out Max Muncy and Denzel Clarke, securing his 21st save in 25 opportunities.
Rodríguez had struggled prior to this game, hitting just 11 for 81 over two seasons. His second-inning blast off JP Sears (7-8) into left-center field marked a significant moment in his career.
The Guardians capitalized on their momentum with four runs in the third inning, highlighted by an RBI from Angel Martinez, Fry's two-run homer, and Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly that brought Ramírez home.
Cleveland extended its lead to 7-0 in the fourth inning thanks to Brayan Rocchio's two-run double. This victory also marked Cecconi's first home win in the majors; he had previously struggled at home with an 0-6 record and a 7.39 ERA across 17 games.
Looking ahead, the Athletics will send RHP Luis Severino (2-11, 5.16 ERA) to the mound, while the Guardians will counter with LHP Logan Allen (6-7, 4.00 ERA) on Saturday night.
