BASEBALL: Guardians shrug off late White Sox homers to win in 10th

Rookie outfielder Kahlil Watson delivered the decisive hit as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox 4-3 in 10 innings on Wednesday, earning a series-saving victory and keeping the teams tied atop the American League Central standings.

Watson went 2-for-4 with three RBIs, including a go-ahead RBI single in the 10th inning that lifted the visiting Guardians over Chicago and prevented a three-game series sweep.

Shawn Armstrong (2-1) recorded the final four outs for Cleveland while escaping multiple scoring threats, leaving five White Sox runners stranded. Chicago loaded the bases with one out in the 10th inning but failed to capitalize, as Chase Meidroth grounded into a forceout at home plate before Braden Montgomery grounded out to first base to end the game.

The Guardians appeared close to securing the win in the ninth inning before closer Cade Smith, who leads the majors with 24 saves, surrendered the lead for the second time in the series.

With two outs in the ninth, Montgomery and Randal Grichuk hit back-to-back solo home runs on consecutive pitches to tie the game at 3-3. Chicago then put two more runners on base, but Armstrong entered and retired Miguel Vargas on a flyout to center field to prevent further damage.

Steven Kwan recorded two hits for Cleveland and made a key defensive play in the seventh inning, making a tumbling catch on a Grichuk line drive to preserve a one-run advantage. The Guardians extended their lead to 3-1 in the eighth when Patrick Bailey drew a bases-loaded walk against Joe Rock.

Grant Taylor (2-1) took the loss after allowing an unearned run in the 10th inning.

Jacob Gonzalez and Vargas each collected two hits for the White Sox.

The game’s start was delayed by 2 hours and 40 minutes due to rain. Fans who stayed at Rate Field waited through five scoreless innings before the first runs were scored after the 4:50 p.m. ET first pitch.

Bryan Rocchio opened the sixth inning with a single, followed by a White Sox error and a walk that loaded the bases. Erick Fedde struck out Rhys Hoskins for the first out, but Watson followed with a two-run single to left field to give Cleveland the lead.

Fedde worked as the bulk reliever after Chris Murphy started as the opener, allowing two runs, one earned, on five hits over four innings. He walked three batters and struck out two.

Guardians starter Tanner Bibee delivered a strong outing, allowing three hits with one walk and three strikeouts over six scoreless innings. He received no decision.

Chicago scored its first run in the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly by Montgomery.

Watson finished the series 5-for-9 with six RBIs. He recorded his first major league hit on Monday and hit his first career home run on Tuesday.

--Field Level Media/Reuters