Guardians display strength up the middle of diamond against Orioles
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Guardians display strength up the middle of diamond against Orioles
Michael Beaven, Akron Beacon Journal·Akron Beacon Journal
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4 min read
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CLEVELAND —The Guardiansreceived impact performances Saturday, April 18, from three of the most important positions on a baseball field: pitcher, catcher and shortstop.
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) leans back from an inside pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) catches the ball as Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) dives safely back to second base on a pickoff attempt in the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) steals second base beside Cleveland Guardians shortstop Daniel Schneemann (10) in the second inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) tags out Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) at second base on a steal attempt in the second inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Taylor Ward (3) fields the ball in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) looks for a foul ball in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) makes a catch at the wall in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick delivers a pitch in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick reacts after giving up his first hit of the game in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (right) reacts during a pitching change in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez celebrates his two-run home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Shane Baz (34) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) looks for the ball on a popup by Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) in the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A fan catches a home run ball hit by Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) scores against Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) in the fifth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles cat Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) looks at the ball after giving up his first hit of the game in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians celebrate a win over the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) dives for the ball on a base hit by Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (not pictured) in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) singles in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) runs the bases in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) tosses his bat after hitting a single in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) turns a double play beside Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) turns a double play beside Cleveland Guardians right fielder George Valera (7) in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. (15) reacts in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) catches a foul ball in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) throws the ball to the infield in front of left fielder Angel Martinez (1) in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Hot dog mascots race between innings of a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Gunnar Henderson (2) hits a RBI sacrifice fly ball in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) reaches for a ball hit over his head in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) walks on the field in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith (36) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) reacts as Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) slides safely to second base in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) leans back from an inside pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jeremiah Jackson (82) leans back from an inside pitch in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) catches the ball as Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) dives safely back to second base on a pickoff attempt in the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) steals second base beside Cleveland Guardians shortstop Daniel Schneemann (10) in the second inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) tags out Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) at second base on a steal attempt in the second inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder Taylor Ward (3) fields the ball in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor (23) looks for a foul ball in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Bassitt (40) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 17, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) makes a catch at the wall in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick delivers a pitch in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick reacts after giving up his first hit of the game in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (right) reacts during a pitching change in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez hits a two-run home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez celebrates his two-run home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Shane Baz (34) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) looks for the ball on a popup by Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) in the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A fan catches a home run ball hit by Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (not pictured) in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) scores against Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) in the fifth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles cat Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick (77) looks at the ball after giving up his first hit of the game in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians celebrate a win over the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) dives for the ball on a base hit by Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (not pictured) in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) singles in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
24/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) runs the bases in the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) tosses his bat after hitting a single in the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
26/37
Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) turns a double play beside Baltimore Orioles center fielder Leody Taveras (30) in the sixth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits an RBI single in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Blaze Alexander (23) turns a double play beside Cleveland Guardians right fielder George Valera (7) in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. (15) reacts in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo (29) catches a foul ball in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) throws the ball to the infield in front of left fielder Angel Martinez (1) in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Hot dog mascots race between innings of a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Gunnar Henderson (2) hits a RBI sacrifice fly ball in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Juan Brito (34) reaches for a ball hit over his head in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt (12) walks on the field in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Cade Smith (36) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians home series vs. Baltimore Orioles
Apr 16, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) reacts as Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) slides safely to second base in the ninth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
"That's baseball," Rocchio said. "Some days you are going to be the hero and some days you are going to be the loser. That's part of baseball."
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Williams, Smith, Rocchio and Naylor were Saturday's heroes for the Guardians.
Vogt said Williams was "throwing strikes" and "filling up the [strike] zone and getting ahead [of batters]."
Williams (3-1) struck out 11 over seven innings and allowed three hits, one walk and one earned run.
Guardians starting pitcher Gavin Williams throws a first-inning pitch against the Baltimore Orioles, April 18, 2026, in Cleveland.
"That's as good a mix I think we've seen from him," Vogt said. "I thought the usage of both breaking balls, cutter, sinker and fastball [was good]. I thought Bo called a great game and he executed. I felt like he pitched with his spin tonight and really surprised them with fastballs. That was unbelievable. Just a great job being efficient. … He had a lot of punchouts, which usually, that means higher pitch count, but that wasn't the case tonight. He was finishing guys right away."
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Williams retired the last 11 Orioles batters he faced after center fielderLeody Taverashit a solo home run to right field in the fourth inning. He threw 100 pitches, including 73 for strikes.
"Gavin's a hard worker and he wants to be great," Vogt said. "I think that is a dangerous combination."
Williams said "first-pitch strikes is a big thing."
"I felt like I executed pretty well throwing behind in counts, ahead in counts and on the first pitch [in at-bats]," Williams said. "I had a good feel for the slider and the curveball, just dropping it in there in any count really.
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"… I am just trying to do the best that I can. I know the walk rates been up a little bit, but trying to cut it down tonight with the delivery. Talking with [pitching coaches] BG [Brad Goldberg], Joe [Torres] and Carl [Willis], this is the best it's been all year and the best it's felt. So just trying to go next day after that and keep on doing the same thing."
Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio hits a three-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles on April 18, 2026, in Cleveland.
Rocchio delivered the biggest swing for the Guardians with a three-run home run to right field with two outs in the fifth inning off Orioles starterDean Kremer(0-1).
"It felt great," Rocchio said of his home run. "I want to give credit to Williams for holding the game for [seven] innings with one run [allowed] and waiting for that big hit."
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Rocchio said the No. 9 spot in the batting order is "my home."
"Brayan works extremely hard, both defensively and offensively," Vogt said. "He's grown into a big leaguer. He's been here for a couple of years. Brayan can play both spots in the middle infield, and play them very well, and, man, he's had some big at-bats for us this year. It was really fun. A fun night for him."
Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio. left, celebrates with teammate Rhys Hoskins, right, after hitting a three-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles on April 18, 2026, in Cleveland.
Kremer did not allow a hit until the fourth inning. He walkedRhys Hoskinswith one out and allowed a single to right by Schneemann.
"Great at-bat by Hoskins to get on, Schnee with the base hit just to put the pressure on them and Rocchy with the big swing," Vogt said. "We didn't get as much traffic tonight as probably we would like, but when we did we made them pay."
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Orioles shortstopGunnar Hendersonhit a solo home run to right offHunter Gaddisto make it 3-2 in the eighth. Naylor countered with a solo home run to right off Orioles relieverAlbertSuarez in the bottom of the inning to conclude the scoring.
Cleveland Guardians' Bo Naylor (23) breaks his bat on a line out against the Baltimore Orioles on April 18, 2026, in Cleveland.
"Bo's been hitting the ball hard," Vogt said. "He's been hitting the ball hard to the big part of the park and at people. … For him to get that result and to give us the insurance run, huge, huge at-bat."
Vogt said Smith "looked relaxed" in his outing after making "some slight adjustments with the pitching team."
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"That was as good as we've seen him north-south, the split was there and he located the fastball at the top [of the strike zone]," Vogt continued. "A really good night for Cade."
Akron Beacon Journal sports writer Michael Beaven can be reached by email at mbeaven@thebeaconjournal.
