Brayan Rocchio signals start of 'Rocctober' with grand slam, walk-off
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Brayan Rocchio signals start of 'Rocctober' with grand slam, walk-off
Ryan Lewis, Akron Beacon Journal
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3 min read
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CLEVELAND — A couple of baseballs beinglaunched over the wall at Progressive Field, some ensuing fireworks and even the Blue Angels flying overhead all signaled the official beginning of "Rocctober."
The moniker "Playoff Rocchio" was given to Guardians infielderBrayan Rocchioa few years ago when hewent on a tear at the plate in the playoffs, hitting .333 with a .906 OPS in 2024 and helping Cleveland advance to the ALCS. It's become a trend.
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Last September, hecame through with several clutch, season-saving momentsas the Guardians tracked down theDetroit Tigersand overcame a historic deficit en route to a trip to the playoffs, including a walk-off home run that clanged off the right field foul pole and officially clinched the division.
This year,Rocchioseems to have seen his shadow early. September and October are instead "Rocctember" and "Rocctober" at Progressive Field.
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (54) delivers a 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)
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) singles in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt walks to the dugout after making a pitching change in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Logan Allen (26) walks to the dugout at the end of the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (right) celebrates his solo home run with center fielder Max Clark (15) in the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Jo Adell (7) catches a fly ball beside Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (54) delivers a 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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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Keider Montero (54) delivers a 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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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers shortstop Kevin McGonigle (7) singles 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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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt walks to the dugout after making a pitching change in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Logan Allen (26) walks to the dugout at the end of the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (20) hits a solo home run 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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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson (right) celebrates his solo home run with center fielder Max Clark (15) 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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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers series
Sep 4, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Jo Adell (7) catches a fly ball beside Cleveland Guardians center fielder Steven Kwan (38) in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Brayan Rocchio stats
On Sept. 4, in the first game of a doubleheader against the Tigers,Rocchiostepped to the plate with the bases loaded and Cleveland trailing 6-2. He drilled a grand slam to tie it.
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Later, in the ninth inning, he finished the job by belting a no-doubt, walk-off home run over the left-field wall.
At one point, the Guardians had trailed that game 6-1 before Rocchio nearly single-handedly willed Cleveland to a win, which could be key in the divisional and wild card races.
"Especially when it's a clutch situation and he's up, we believe it's going to happen," Guardians reliever Erik Sabrowski. said. "And it happened today."
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia.
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
3/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia.
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
4/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
5/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
6/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
7/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)
8/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)
9/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
10/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
12/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
What is 'Playoff Rocchio' or 'Rocctober'?
Three years in a row now, once the calendar flips to September and then October, Rocchio has seemingly discovered a knack for coming through in the biggest moments of not only that game, but the entire season.
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"I think he's got the gene, man," pitcherSlade Cecconisaid. "Ever since I've been here, it's like every time, it's unbelievable what he's able to do. I also know he does so much mental prep work. I see him with his headphones on, he has all sorts of stuff to prepare his mind.
"And when you take care of that, those big situations, [they have more intense focus] with a guy that's prepared."
Cleveland Guardians' Brayan Rocchio celebrates his walk-off home run against the Detroit Tigers on Sept. 4, 2026, in Cleveland.
Although it felt like he made every big play for the Guardians last September en route to a playoff berth, Rocchio still posted an OPS under .700 for the month. It was far from a perfect stretch of baseball. And to begin this September, Rocchio was 0-for-6.
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But, when the Guardians were at their biggest time of need, he showed up with a grand slam and a walk-off home run, as if the Blue Angels flying overhead acted as a Batsignal.
"It's been pretty cool to see Rocc late in the season the last three years," Guardiansmanager Stephen Vogtsaid. "We just got to keep him going and encouraging him."
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
