Guardians Drop Williams Start

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 12: Cleveland Guardians pitcher Daniel Espino (41) on the field prior to the Major League Baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Guardians on June 12, 2026, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Up-and-down game (emotionally and, well, on the field) tonight. Gavin was bad tonight. Probably the worst start he’s had since 2024 (not fact-checked). Certainly the worst of the season. He gave up 5 runs in the first 2 innings, walking two and giving up a long ball.

But then, in the fourth, Daniel Schneemann came up with the bases loaded and one out (Bazzana walk, Manzardo single, Rocchio walk, Hoskins strikeout).

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Love to Schnee it!

A grand slam gets us right back in it!#GuardsBall | #VoteGuardspic.twitter.com/xCWFH0PtQF

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) June 18, 2026

That would end up being the high water mark of the evening for the Guardians. Gavin gave up 2 more runs on a 2-run homer from Jackson Chourio right after this.

The highlight of tonight, by far, is Daniel Espino’s debut. It was truly something special to watch. He struck out 2 and induced a weak flyout for the last out of the inning.

Daniel Espino made his MLB debut!

After an injury riddled pro career, Espino looked dominant in his first taste of the Majors. He struck out 2 in a perfect inning of work, hitting triple digits and flexing an elite 3-pitch mix

It's awesome that is he healthy and looking great! pic.twitter.com/czLsSChUdc

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) June 18, 2026

To come out throwing that kind of stuff in your major league debut is extremely special.

The Guardians ended up losing 9-4. It’ll be Messick vs. Drohan tomorrow afternoon for the finale.

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