Fry, Hedges Homers Lift Guardians Past Rangers 9-4

Power Surge in the Second

Cleveland Guardians power hitters struck early and often, dismantling Texas Rangers pitching with three home runs and a flurry of wild pitches to build an insurmountable lead. The game turned on a chaotic second inning where Cleveland’s offense exploded for five runs, highlighted by a three-run blast from Fry and a two-homer effort from Hedges.

The scoring began in the top of the second when Hedges sacrificed bunt to move Rocchio to home plate, giving Cleveland a 1-0 advantage. Arias then scored on a wild pitch by Rangers starter MacKenzie Gore, extending the lead to 2-0. After a brief pause in the scoring, Arias crossed the plate again on another Gore wild pitch, pushing the margin to 3-0.

The inning culminated in Fry’s home run to right center, which cleared the bases and sent the Progressive Field crowd into a frenzy. The ball traveled 380 feet, accounting for three runs and making the score 5-0. Hedges added to the tally in the eighth inning with a 400-foot home run to left center, driving in Watson to make it 9-3 before a final run scored in the eighth.

Rangers Struggle to Contain Guardians

Texas managed to get on the board in the third inning when Higashioka walked, allowing Foscue to score. Cleveland challenged the call, but the umpires upheld the decision, making it 5-1. The Rangers added another run in the sixth when Díaz grounded out, allowing Higashioka to score, and later in the same inning when Lopez doubled to left, bringing Osuna home. The score stood at 5-3 before Cleveland’s offense resumed its assault.

DeLauter singled to right in the seventh, scoring Kwan, and Hoskins walked before DeLauter scored on a wild pitch by Winston Santos, making it 7-3. Díaz’s eighth-inning home run to left center (402 feet) provided the final run for Cleveland, ending the scoring threat from Texas.

Pitching Performance

MacKenzie Gore took the loss for Texas, pitching five innings and allowing five earned runs on seven hits while striking out seven batters. He was relieved by Cole Winn, who gave up two earned runs in one inning, and Winston Santos, who allowed two more earned runs over two innings. The Rangers’ pitching staff struggled to contain Cleveland’s power display.

Joey Cantillo earned the win for Cleveland, pitching five innings and allowing two earned runs on three hits. He was supported by Colin Holderman, who gave up one earned run in one inning, and Hunter Gaddis and Tim Herrin, who combined for two hitless innings. Erik Sabrowski and Matt Festa closed out the game, with Sabrowski allowing one earned run and Festa retiring the side in order.

Final Score and Records

The Guardians improved their record to 45-42 with the victory, while the Rangers fell to 44-43. The game was played at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, with an attendance of 20,141. The final score was 9-4 in favor of Cleveland.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815984