CLEVELAND — The Guardians began their most important series of the season chasing the Chicago White Sox.
They ended it looking down at them.
Petey Halpin launched a go-ahead three-run homer, Parker Messick struck out eight and Cleveland defeated Chicago 6-3 Wednesday afternoon at Progressive Field.
The victory gave the Guardians two wins in the three-game series and moved them one-half game ahead of the White Sox for first place in the American League Central. Cleveland, now 78-75, holds sole possession of the division lead for the first time since July 3. Not bad for a team that was 70-70 less than two weeks ago.
Cleveland struck first during the third inning after a Chicago error helped extend the frame. Halpin and Steven Kwan eventually scored when Jo Adell lined a two-run single into left field, giving the Guardians a 2-0 advantage.
Messick protected the lead until the fifth, when Tommy Pham turned the game around with one swing. Pham, who was activated from the injured list before the game, launched a three-run homer to left-center field to give Chicago a 3-2 lead.
Cleveland’s response arrived one inning later.
David Fry walked, Austin Hedges followed with another walk and Halpin crushed a two-out, three-run homer into the right-field seats. His fourth homer of the season transformed a one-run deficit into a 5-3 Guardians lead.
The blast was Halpin’s second hit of the afternoon and gave him three RBIs and two runs scored. More importantly, it provided Cleveland with exactly the kind of answer required from a team trying to win a division.
The Guardians weren’t finished.
Brayan Rocchio and Kwan drew consecutive walks before José Ramírez doubled home Rocchio, extending the lead to 6-3. Ramírez collected two doubles, tying Nap Lajoie for second place in franchise history with 424.
Messick allowed three runs on seven hits over six innings, walking none and striking out eight. The rookie improved to 12-9 while lowering his ERA to 2.57.
Hunter Gaddis worked a scoreless seventh before Erik Sabrowski recorded two outs in the eighth. Sabrowski walked two batters, forcing Cleveland to summon Cade Smith for a four-out save.
Smith retired all four hitters he faced, striking out two to earn his 37th save in 42 opportunities.
The Guardians produced only five hits, but they drew six walks and took advantage when Chicago gave them opportunities. Meanwhile, Messick and the bullpen held the White Sox scoreless over the final four innings.
Nine games remain.
Cleveland controls the division—for now—and every game from this point forward carries the weight of October.
What’s Next: The Guardians are off Thursday before opening their final home series of the regular season against the Athletics Friday at 7:10 p.m. ET at Progressive Field.
