Gavin Williams Dominates Athletics as Guardians Cruise to 8-2 Victory
The Cleveland Guardians delivered a complete performance on Sunday, riding a stellar outing from Gavin Williams and a career-best game from David Fry to defeat the Oakland Athletics 8-2 at Progressive Field. The win marked Cleveland’s fourth straight season series victory over the A’s and continued their recent dominance over Oakland.
Gavin Williams Delivers Career-Best Performance
Gavin Williams dominates Athletics — that was the storyline from the start. The right-hander was electric, striking out a season-high 11 batters while allowing just one run over seven dominant innings. Williams matched his career-high for innings pitched and snapped a 49-day winless streak with the commanding outing.
He showed improved control, allowing only one walk after a string of six consecutive starts with three or more walks. His newly expanded pitch arsenal — now featuring a cutter and sinker alongside his fastball, curve, and sweeper — kept the Athletics off balance all day.
“It just comes down to pounding the zone,” Williams said postgame. “Weak contact is better than giving away free bases.”
David Fry Breaks Out with Four RBIs
David Fry provided the offensive firepower, driving in a career-high four runs. His bases-clearing double in the fourth inning broke the game wide open, pushing the Guardians’ lead to 5-0. It was a much-needed breakout for Fry, who is still finding consistency after offseason elbow surgery.
“You put in the work and trust the process,” Fry said. “Today, I got to help the boys out. That’s what it’s all about.”
Hot Bats Back Up Dominant Pitching
The Guardians offense came alive early. Angel Martínez led off with a double and scored on Fry’s RBI single in the first. The second inning saw Will Wilson double and score on Austin Hedges’ single. In total, the Guardians piled up 13 hits, including three from Martínez, who homered in the seventh and now has nine on the season.
Martínez has been red-hot since taking over the leadoff spot, with 11 of his last 14 hits going for extra bases.
“He wants to be great,” manager Stephen Vogt said of Martínez. “The versatility he brings, whether it’s in center field or second base, is a huge asset.”
Vogt’s Strategy Pays Off
Vogt praised his team’s aggressive approach at the plate, especially after facing Oakland starter Jeffrey Springs last month. Springs lasted only four innings this time, surrendering five runs on nine hits.
“We didn’t let him breathe,” Vogt said. “We took away his changeup early, and he couldn’t recover.”
Guardians Stay Hot Post All-Star Break
The Guardians have now won seven of their last eight and remain focused on winning each series as the playoff race intensifies.
“We’re back like we never left,” Vogt said confidently. “Just keep winning series.”
What’s Next?
Cleveland kicks off a four-game home series against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night. Tanner Bibee (5-9, 4.29 ERA) will face Baltimore’s Tomoyuki Sugano (7-5, 4.44 ERA). First pitch is at 6:40 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on CLEGuardians.tv and the Guardians Radio Network.
