Chase DeLauter’s Homer Propels Guardians to 6-5 Victory Over Mariners In a dramatic 10th-inning showdown Saturday night at T-Mobile Park, Chase DeLauter turned the tide for the Cleveland Guardians with a towering opposite-field two-run homer off Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. The rookie, who entered the game 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, faced a 2-2 count against Muñoz, who delivered a 96.6 mph four-seam fastball up and off the plate. DeLauter, however, capitalized on the pitch, sending it soaring into the left-field bleachers to give the Guardians a 6-5 win. The home run marked a pivotal moment in DeLauter’s rookie season, further solidifying his status as one of the most electrifying talents in baseball. The Guardians’ No. 2 prospect and MLB’s No. 45 overall pick now joins an elite group of players in history. He is the second player in MLB history to hit four home runs in his first three regular-season games, following in the footsteps of Trevor Story in 2016. DeLauter also became the third player to hit at least one home run in each of his first three-plus career regular-season games, joining Story and former Mariner Kyle Lewis. DeLauter’s performance in the game was a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Despite struggling early, he stayed focused and executed his plan against Muñoz. His home run traveled a Statcast-projected 365 feet with a 99 mph exit velocity, a feat made even more impressive by the challenging conditions. The game was played on a cold night with wind blowing in from left field, a factor that made the home run all the more remarkable. “Fastballs all night,” DeLauter said after the game. “Unfortunately, it didn’t really go my way for most of it, but I stuck with a plan and got a heater up and just went after it.#cleveland_guardians #stephen_vogt #chase_delauter #andres_munoz #jose_ramirez
Gavin Williams Set to Make 2026 Season Debut for the Guardians Gavin Williams, the Cleveland Guardians’ right-handed pitcher, is poised to make his 2026 season debut on Friday, March 27, when he takes the mound against the Seattle Mariners. The outing marks his first opportunity to validate the widespread optimism surrounding his potential breakout season. National analysts have long speculated that this could be the year Williams joins the Cy Young Award conversation, and his performance in spring training has only reinforced those expectations. Manager Stephen Vogt emphasized earlier in the offseason that Williams was determined to have his best season yet, and the right-hander’s focus appears to be paying off. The Guardians secured a win on Opening Day, and Williams will look to build on that momentum. Facing a Mariners lineup that exploded for four home runs the previous night, his ability to control the strike zone and vary his pitches will be critical to the team’s success. Williams’ spring training performance has been impressive, with five starts showcasing strong command and efficiency. He struck out 19 batters while walking just two, finishing with a 1.19 WHIP. His consistency in working ahead in counts and limiting free passes has been a standout aspect of his approach. Beyond the numbers, his pitching repertoire has also shown promise. While he has traditionally relied on his four-seam fastball, curveball, and sweeper, his usage of secondary pitches like the cutter and sinker has increased significantly. One of the most notable developments from last season and into spring has been the effectiveness of his sinker.#seattle_mariners #cleveland_guardians #gavin_williams #stephen_vogt #tanner_bibee
