Cleveland Guardians Edge White Sox 3-1 Behind Kayfus Homers and Messick’s Six‑Inning Gem
Game Overview
In a tightly contested night at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Guardians secured a 3-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox. The scoring opened in the first inning when Lenyn Sosa singled and drove in Chase Meidroth, who was riding a hot streak of hits. The Guardians answered back in the second, when rookie C.J. Kayfus launched a two‑run homer off Davis Martin, putting Cleveland ahead for good.
Pitcher Parker Messick, making only his third start since his August debut, settled into a groove after an early three‑hit string. He navigated the middle innings with poise, limiting the Sox to a single run and striking out six. The defense helped too; Mike Tauchman's lineout triggered an inning‑ending double play that halted a potential White Sox rally.
Chicago threatened again in the seventh, but a solid out from the Guardians’ bullpen kept the lead intact. The decisive blow came in the eighth when pinch‑hitter Jhonkensy Noel delivered a solo homer off Fraser Ellard, extending the margin to 3-1. Reliever Cade Smith closed out the ninth, earning his 14th save of the season and cementing the win.
Key moments at a glance:
- 1st inning: Lenyn Sosa RBI single (White Sox lead 1-0)
- 2nd inning: C.J. Kayfus two‑run homer (Guardians lead 2-1)
- 8th inning: Jhonkensy Noel pinch‑hit solo homer (Guardians lead 3-1)
- 9th inning: Cade Smith saves (final 3-1)
Impact on Playoff Race
The win pushed Cleveland’s record to 77‑71, marking their ninth triumph in the last eleven games. That surge keeps them in contention for the third American League wild‑card slot, a race that has tightened over the past month. Messick’s 1.84 ERA in his first five starts underscores the effectiveness of the Guardians’ young arms, a factor that could prove decisive as the season winds down.
For Chicago, the loss drops them to 71‑77, widening the gap between them and the wild‑card cutoff. RHP Yoendrys Gómez, who was slated to start the series finale, will need to rebound quickly, while the Sox look to spark their offense after a quiet outing.
Overall, the Guardians have dominated the recent head‑to‑head series, winning 14 of the last 16 games against the White Sox. The victory not only adds another notch to that streak but also bolsters Cleveland’s momentum heading into the crucial final weeks of the regular season.
Ivy Silverman
I'm Ivy Silverman and I'm passionate about real estate. I like learning about different markets and uncovering the best opportunities for my clients. I'm always looking for ways to make the process of buying and selling a home easier and more enjoyable.