Guardians power past Athletics for seventh win in last eight games

CLEVELAND — Perhaps the reports of the Guardians' demise have been greatly exaggerated. Cleveland began the second half the same way it ended the first — hitting and winning — by opening a three-game series against the Athletics with an 8-6 victory at Progressive Field on Friday night. The Guardians, who struggled offensively for much of the first half and endured a 10-game losing skid, have scored four or more runs in eight straight games, posting a 7-1 record over the span. Cleveland needed much of the offense after right-hander Slade Cecconi ran out of gas in a bid for the first complete game of his career. He was perfect through the first four innings before a leadoff home run from All-Star Brent Rooker to start the fifth, allowing another homer in the seventh to Shea Langeliers. Back-to-back triples from Nick Kurtz and Rooker, followed by an RBI double from Langeliers, scored two runs in the ninth, bringing closer Emmanuel Clase into the game. After allowing an RBI double to Miguel Andujar, Clase struck out the next two to end the game. Cecconi surrendered more than three runs for only the second time in 11 starts this season. The Guardians opened the scoring in the second inning on Johnathan Rodriguez's first career homer, which went an estimated 402 feet to center off A's starting left-hander JP Sears. With Cecconi dealing, Cleveland pulled away with four runs in the following inning, hitting for the cycle on an RBI single from Angel Martinez, a double from Brayan Rocchio, a triple from Jose Ramirez and a two-run shot from David Fry. The Guardians have hit 15 homers since July 7, accounting for the third-most in the majors over the span. Rocchio, who has been hot since returning from the minors, Ramirez and Martinez each added doubles as the only players in the lineup with multihit efforts. The Guardians played without All-Star Steven Kwan, who had an injection in his sore wrist. The plan was for him to play in the All-Star Game, see doctors Wednesday and then move forward. Also, Ramirez opted to skip the All-Star Game in favor of rest for his injured ankle. Manager Stephen Vogt said it was beneficial for the third baseman. "He feels great. I just spoke with him in the hallway," Vogt said before the game. "He's got pep in his step. He always does, but he said that the four days down really helped him, and he's ready to rock for a great second half." Fans have been clamoring for the promotion of top prospect Chase DeLauter from Triple-A Columbus, but the oft-injured outfielder is also dealing with a wrist injury that has bothered him for the past couple weeks. It could delay his ascension to the majors. "I don't think we're thinking about that," general manager Mike Chernoff said. "I think we're just thinking about, 'Llet's figure out what's going on and see what his current status is in Columbus,' and then we would look at those steps afterwards. "But obviously we want him to be a healthy player and I just feel badly for Chase. He's been through a lot this year and so to now have this issue that's been lingering a little bit, I hope we can work through it and he can remain healthy. If not, we'll take it from there." Chris Assenheimer at (440) 329-7136 or cassenheimer@chroniclet.com. Like him on Facebook and follow him on X @CAwesomeheimer.