CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – After taking a 2-1 lead after two innings, the Guardians offense struggled in the series opener against the Rays. Cleveland’s now 1-3 in the seven-game season series with Tampa Bay.
The Guardians offense was shut down after Rays starter Ryan Pepiot left the game after pitching two innings. Five pitchers from Tampa Bay combined to allow only one hit after the second inning.
Unfortunately for Gavin Williams, he’s used to the Guardians offense struggling during his starts. Williams has received 16 total runs of support across his 14 outings this season.
In his third career start against Tampa Bay, Williams pitched 5.1 innings. The Rays had seven hits off Williams for three runs. His record falls to 3-9 after being charged with the loss.
“I thought Gavin battled,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “He didn’t have his best fastball tonight and his command was ok. I felt like the consistency of repeating his pitches was kind of where he struggled tonight.”
Lane Thomas got the Guardians on the board in the first inning when he scorched a fastball nearly 109mph down the left-field line for an RBI double. Thomas extended his active hitting streak to eight games.