CLEVELAND -- As Gavin Williams headed off the field in the seventh inning on Tuesday, he was serenaded by a standing ovation from the Progressive Field faithful. The big right-hander, who has been one of the Majors’ top strikeout artists this season, was in top form once again.
Williams set a new career high with 13 strikeouts on Tuesday, to lead the Guardians to a 6-1 win over the Blue Jays in the opener of an important three-game series. Over seven innings, he allowed just one unearned run on two hits, one walk and one hit batter.
This was an ideal way for the Guardians to open their September slate. Cleveland (70-68) maintained its grip on the third American League Wild Card spot while also taking care of business against a team that is vying to knock it off its perch.
The Blue Jays (68-71) were one of three teams that entered Tuesday within 1 1/2 games of the Guardians in the Wild Card race.
While the Guardians have their sights set on catching the AL Central-leading White Sox (who held a three-game lead entering Tuesday) over the next four weeks, games like this will help Cleveland’s cause on all fronts.
Williams paved the way on Tuesday night by becoming the first Cleveland pitcher with 13-plus strikeouts in a starts since Triston McKenzie (also 13) on Sept. 21, 2022. The outing also marked Williams’ 10th this season with 10-plus strikeouts, which is tied for the MLB lead with the Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski.
Williams is the first Cleveland pitcher with 10 such starts in a season since Trevor Bauer (also 10) in 2018. He now has 14 in his career.