In a thrilling showdown under the lights in West Sacramento, the Cleveland Guardians powered past the Athletics with an 8-5 victory Friday night, fueled by standout performances from Rhys Hoskins and rookie sensation Chase DeLauter.
Hoskins delivered in the clutch, smashing a solo homer—his second of the season—and driving in three runs overall. His two-run double in the fifth inning tied the game at 4-4, setting the stage for a Guardians comeback. DeLauter was unstoppable at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4 with two RBIs, including a game-tying two-run double in the second inning that showcased his rising star power.
The night also featured a historic moment for Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz. When Hunter Gaddis issued a walk to Kurtz in the seventh inning, it marked his 20th consecutive game with at least one base on balls—tying Barry Bonds' legendary 2002-03 streak for the second-longest in MLB history. Only Detroit's Roy Cullenbine holds a longer streak, with 22 straight games set way back in 1947. Kurtz also extended his on-base streak to 26 games, but the reigning AL Rookie of the Year couldn't capitalize later, striking out in the eighth inning with the tying run on base.
The game was a back-and-forth battle from the start. Brent Rooker broke an 0-for-20 slump with a two-run homer in the first inning, giving the Athletics an early 2-0 lead. Zack Gelof added a two-run single in the fourth to push the lead to 4-2. But the Guardians refused to back down. In the fifth, Hoskins' double tied it up, and in the seventh, a go-ahead sacrifice fly from pinch-hitter Angel Martínez put Cleveland on top before Hoskins' solo shot made it 6-4.
DeLauter struck again with a two-run double in the second inning to keep the pressure on, and the Guardians extended their lead to 8-4 before the Athletics mounted a late rally. Kurtz walked to load the bases with no outs in the seventh, and Rooker followed with an RBI single to cut the deficit. But Erik Sabrowski came in clutch, striking out Darell Hernaiz and Tyler Soderstrom before four-time Gold Glove winner Steven Kwan made a spectacular catch at the center-field wall to rob Colby Thomas and preserve the 8-5 lead.
On the mound, Guardians starter Joey Cantillo battled through four innings, allowing four runs on five hits with three walks. Cade Smith locked down the final four outs for his eighth save of the season. For the Athletics, J.T. Ginn struggled with control, surrendering five runs on five hits and five walks over 4 1/3 innings.
Guardians rookie Travis Bazzano is still searching for his first hit, going 0-for-9 in his first three games, but he made an impact by drawing two walks and scoring the first two runs of his big league career.
Cleveland has now won 22 of the last 27 meetings against the Athletics, continuing their dominance in the series. The Guardians look to keep rolling as they send RHP Slade Cecconi to the mound next.