Cleveland Guardians end 10-game losing streak with 7-5 win over Houston Astros in a thriller
Cleveland's night had everything they were missing during the slump, early scoring, a timely hit in the clutch, and a bullpen that closed it out. The Astros, who had won 10 of their last 11 home games, threatened with a huge fifth-inning rally but couldn't find a way back after that.
What happened in the match?
The Guardians got going early. A scary moment came in the third inning when a line drive RBI single from Steven Kwan struck Houston starter Colton Gordon on the head. The ball deflected into the outfield as Will Wilson scored to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead. Gordon stayed in the game, but Jose Ramirez made him pay soon after, smashing his 15th homer of the season to bring home two more runs.
Tanner Bibee looked solid on the mound for Cleveland through four innings, allowing just one baserunner. But Houston's fifth-inning comeback changed the mood quickly. Victor Caratini and Cooper Hummel each singled before Taylor Trammell launched a three-run home run to left — his first of the year. Just when it seemed the Guardians were unravelling again, Isaac Paredes added a solo shot to tie it 4-4 and end Bibee's outing.
Brayan Rocchio delivers in the clutch as the bullpen locks it down
Brayan Rocchio had laid down two sacrifice bunts earlier in the night, but with the game tied and two outs in the sixth, he came through in style. Facing an 0-2 count, Rocchio smashed a slider into the left-field corner off Steven Okert, bringing home Angel Martinez and Bo Naylor to put the Guardians back in front.
Clutch!Cleveland #Guardians 24yr old switch-hitting (SS) Brayan Rocchio gives Columbus the lead on a 2-run double with one out in the 9th inning for Columbus at Iowa.For Rocchio it was his 11 double and he now has 19 XBH in just 39 games with the Clippers. #GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/ZUVaejOqN6
The Astros tried to respond again, and Victor Caratini pulled them back within a run in the bottom of the sixth with a solo homer off Matt Festa. But that would be as close as they'd get.
Paul Sewald and Hunter Gaddis each pitched scoreless innings to hold the lead. Then, closer Emmanuel Clase stepped in and retired the side in the ninth to earn his 19th save of the season.
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