Guardians 3 - A’s 0: Cecconi Pitches a Gem in Shutout Win

Game Recap for Guardians at Athletics - June 22nd, 2025

The Cleveland Guardians and Oakland Sacramento Athletics faced off in the rubber match of the three game series. With the series split, it came down to Slade Cecconi matching up against JP Sears.

The Guardians struck first in the top of the second. Angel Martínez reached base with a one out walk then stole second with an easy read on the Athletics’ pitcher. Gabriel Arias hit a long single to left that scored Martínez.

Nolan Jones hit a beautiful double along the right field line, scoring Arias easily with a head first slide.

In the top of the fifth the top of the lineup got in on the scoring too. Steven Kwan hit a one-out single to right and advanced to second on a José Ramírez single to left. David Fry worked a six pitch at bat and finally made contact for another single to left, scoring Kwan.

The true highlight of the game came from Slade Cecconi. Slade pitched a career best going 7.0 innings of scoreless baseball. He allowed six hits, one walk, struck out three, and was part of this well turned double play.

Slade was the definition of efficient, only throwing 79 pitches before handing things over to a well rested bullpen to finish.

Cade Smith came on in relief, getting the first two outs of the eighth inning. Cade gave up a walk and a single before Stephen Vogt turned to Tim Herrin for the lefty/lefty matchup. Herrin made quick work, striking out the batter to retire the side.

Emmanuel Clase closed out the game, getting out of another bases loaded situation. With one out, Clase gave up two singles and walked a batter to load them up. A strikeout and a groundout left the Athletics shut out and closed the book on this west coast campaign.

The Guardians are heading back home for a much needed rest day and home campaign. Cleveland will face the Blue Jays and Cardinals this week before heading back on the road for a quick series.