In a game against the Kansas City Royals, top prospect Gavin Williams earned his first victory in the majors as the Cleveland Guardians emerged with a 10-6 win. Williams, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound right-handed pitcher, struck out seven batters in 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk.
The Guardians’ offense came alive, collecting a season-high 18 hits. Brothers Bo and Josh Naylor both contributed two runs batted in (RBIs) each. Josh Bell went 3 for 3 with two RBIs, and Amed Rosario had three hits. The Guardians built a 5-0 lead by the fourth inning and held on to secure their third consecutive victory, moving above .500 for the first time since April 19 and taking over first place in the AL Central.
Despite a rally by the Royals, scoring six runs between the fifth and eighth innings to close the gap to 7-6, the Guardians’ defense made a crucial play in the eighth inning. Nicky Lopez was tagged out inches from home plate on Maikel Garcia’s RBI double to center field. The Guardians executed a flawless relay, with Myles Straw firing the ball to cutoff man Andrés Giménez, whose throw home to Bo Naylor was perfectly placed. Guardians manager Terry Francona praised it as “the best relay I’ve ever seen.”
For the Royals, Bobby Witt Jr. had a strong performance, going 3 for 5 with a solo home run, RBI triple, and stolen base. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Guardians’ offensive firepower.
The Guardians added three runs in the eighth inning to extend their lead to four runs. All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase closed out the game in the ninth inning.
In other news, Royals left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, who suffered multiple facial fractures after being struck by a line drive in May, will be activated from the 60-day injured list to start the next game.
The series finale was set to feature Guardians ace Shane Bieber against Yarbrough. Bieber has been a consistent presence in the rotation, making every start for Cleveland this season.
In Chicago on Saturday, Miles Mikolas delivered a strong performance in his final start before the All-Star break, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Mikolas pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing four singles while striking out six and walking none. It was his first win since May 30.
Mikolas attributed his success to working on his breaking balls and making adjustments to his delivery. He focused on attacking the strike zone and letting his grips do the work. The Cardinals’ manager, Oliver Marmol, praised Mikolas for his efficient outing.
The Cardinals’ offense was provided by Jordan Walker’s solo home run in the ninth inning, his eighth of the season. Paul DeJong had an RBI single in the second inning, and Brendan Donovan added a run-scoring groundout in the fifth.
On the White Sox side, right-hander Touki Toussaint pitched five innings, giving up five singles and one run. He struck out five and walked one in his second start since joining the team.
The White Sox had a scoring opportunity in the fourth inning, but Andrew Vaughn’s deep fly ball was caught at the warning track, and Jake Burger grounded into a fielder’s choice, preventing any runs from scoring.
In the injury updates, Cardinals left-hander Jordan Montgomery will be examined by a doctor for his right hamstring injury, while catcher Willson Contreras rested due to a dental procedure. Outfielder Tyler O’Neill continued his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis.
For the White Sox, pitchers Michael Kopech, Liam Hendriks, and Mike Clevinger all threw bullpen sessions as they progress in their recoveries.
The final game before the All-Star break will feature Cardinals left-hander Steven Matz and White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito on the mound. Matz will be making his first start since May 24, while Giolito aims to build on his recent solid performance against Toronto.
Other MLB scores from Saturday, July 8, 2023:
Detroit 2, Toronto 0
San Francisco 5, Colorado 3
Baltimore 6, Minnesota 2
Cincinnati 8, Milwaukee 5
Boston 10, Oakland 3
Miami 5, Philadelphia 3
Cleveland 10, Kansas City 6
Arizona 3, Pittsburgh 2 (10)
Houston 3, Seattle 2
San Diego 3, New York (NL) 1
New York (AL) 6, Chicago (NL) 3
St. Louis 3, Chicago (AL) –
Washington 8, Texas 3
Atlanta 6, Tampa Bay 1
Los Angeles (NL) 10, Los Angeles (AL) 5
