CLEVELAND — It wasn't pretty.
In the opener of an important doubleheader, Detroit wasted little time putting Cleveland in an early hole, scoring four runs in the first inning against Logan Allen before adding another in the second and a Spencer Torkelson solo home run in the third to build a commanding 6-1 lead. Allen lasted just 2? innings before turning things over to Slade Cecconi and the bullpen.
Cecconi kept the Guardians within striking distance before Carson Yoho, Erik Sabrowski and Cade Smith combined to throw the final four innings without allowing a run. Their effort gave Cleveland's offense the opportunity it needed.
That opportunity arrived in the fourth inning.
Nathaniel Lowe singled before Angel Genao doubled to put two runners in scoring position. Travis Bazzana followed with an RBI single, and after Patrick Bailey drew a walk to load the bases, Rocchio unloaded on a Keider Montero pitch, launching a game-tying grand slam to right field that erased the entire deficit in one swing.
From there, both bullpens took over as Detroit and Cleveland traded scoreless innings while each side missed opportunities to break through. Chase DeLauter collected two doubles, while Genao added a pair of hits as the Guardians continued to pressure the Tigers throughout the afternoon.
Then came the ninth.
Leading off the inning, Rocchio turned on a pitch from reliever Daniel Sommers and drove it over the wall in left-center for his second home run of the afternoon, sending Progressive Field into celebration and completing Cleveland's comeback. The shortstop finished with two home runs, a career-high five RBIs and two runs scored, becoming just the sixth player in Major League history to hit a game-tying grand slam and a walk-off homer in the same game.
The victory improved Cleveland to 71-70, keeping the Guardians firmly in the American League playoff race while giving the squad a dramatic start to an important four-game series against Detroit.
What's Next: The Guardians and Tigers conclude Friday's split doubleheader tonight at 7:10 at Progressive Field before continuing the four-game series Saturday.