BASEBALL: Gavin Williams nabs 4th straight win as Guardians top Rays

Gavin Williams delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday, throwing 7 2/3 strong innings to lead the Cleveland Guardians to a 3-1 win over the visiting Tampa Bay Rays. Chase DeLauter contributed offensively with two RBIs as Cleveland snapped a four-game losing streak.

Williams (5-1) earned his fourth consecutive victory after allowing one unearned run on five hits. He struck out nine without issuing a walk, keeping Tampa Bay’s lineup in check throughout most of the afternoon.

Brayan Rocchio went 3-for-4 at the plate, while Daniel Schneemann added two hits to help power Cleveland’s offense. Cade Smith closed out the game despite allowing a leadoff single in the ninth to Yandy Díaz, securing his seventh save in nine opportunities.

Tampa Bay starter Drew Rasmussen (2-1) pitched five innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits. He struck out six and walked one, but took the loss as the Rays’ six-game winning streak came to an end.

The Guardians struck first after an 80-minute rain delay, scoring in the bottom of the third inning. Following Rocchio’s leadoff single, DeLauter drew a walk and José Ramírez reached on a fielder’s choice to load the bases. Kyle Manzardo then drove in the opening run with a sacrifice fly.

Cleveland extended its lead in the fifth when Rocchio reached on an error, setting the stage for Steven Kwan’s double. DeLauter followed with a two-run single to make it 3-0.

The Rays got on the board in the seventh after Díaz singled to lead off the inning. An error on a throw by Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana during a potential double play allowed the run to score.

Williams exited in the eighth after allowing consecutive two-out singles to Chandler Simpson and Junior Caminero. Reliever Erik Sabrowski entered and struck out Jonathan Aranda to escape the threat and preserve Cleveland’s lead. -Field Level Media/Reuters