09/15/26 09:56:00
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09/15 21:51 CDT Rocchio delivers 2-run double in 9th, Guardians rally to stun
White Sox 7-6 and tighten AL Central
Rocchio delivers 2-run double in 9th, Guardians rally to stun White Sox 7-6 and
tighten AL Central
By TOM WITHERS
Associated Press
CLEVELAND (AP) --- Brayan Rocchio came through again, hitting a two-run double
with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Cleveland Guardians a comeback
7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox that tightened the AL Central race on
Tuesday night.
With runners at second and third, Rocchio, who has seven career walk-off plate
appearances, hit a fly toward the left-field corner off Grant Taylor (7-3) that
just eluded a diving try by outfielder Sam Antonacci.
When the ball hit the turf, Rocchio flung his helmet in the air and Cleveland's
dugout emptied onto the field to celebrate. Rocchio has developed a knack for
late-season heroics with four of his walk-off hits coming in September.
The Guardians' rally moved them within a half game of the first-place White
Sox. The teams will play the series finale on Wednesday. The White Sox, who
lost at least 100 games in each of the past three seasons, have held at least a
share of first since July 4.
Rookie Travis Bazzana hit a pair of homers for Cleveland. Closer Cade Smith
(6-1) got five outs --- on just 16 pitches --- and should be available
Wednesday.
Jo Adell and Bazzana hit back-to-back homers in the first inning for the
Guardians, who couldn't capitalize on their early 3-0 lead and fell behind
before coming up with a victory that kept their division title hopes alive.
Down 4-2, the White Sox scored four in the sixth with Miguel Vargas delivering
his two-out single.
Chicago loaded the bases off Cleveland's Craig Yoho on a pair of walks and a
single before Chase Meidroth hit an RBI single, Randal Grichuk had a sacrifice
fly and Vargas ripped a single into left off reliever Hunter Gaddis.
Adell was acquired at the trade deadline to give Cleveland more power, and he
provided plenty in the first with his 22nd homer --- a 442-foot shot.
Up next
Rookie LHP Parker Messick (11-9, 2.51 ERA) starts the series finale for the
Guardians. He's 1-1 against the White Sox, who have yet to name a starter.
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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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