Gavin Williams reminded everyone why pitching wins games. The right-hander struck out nine batters over 7.2 innings, allowing five hits and no earned runs as Cleveland ended its four-game losing streak with a 3-1 victory over Tampa Bay at Progressive Field.
Williams (5-1) carried a 2.70 ERA into the game and lowered it further with his dominant performance. He threw 95 pitches, walking none while keeping the Rays off balance throughout. The only run he allowed came unearned in the seventh inning.
Cleveland built its lead methodically. Manzardo hit a sacrifice fly to left in the third inning, bringing Rocchio home for a 1-0 advantage. The decisive blow came in the fifth when DeLauter singled to center, scoring both Rocchio and Kwan to extend the lead to 3-0. Rocchio finished 3-for-4 with two runs scored, providing the offensive catalyst.
Drew Rasmussen (2-1) took the loss for Tampa Bay, allowing six hits and three runs over five innings with six strikeouts. The Rays managed just one run when Fraley grounded into a fielder's choice in the seventh, scoring Díaz on an error. Cade Smith closed out the ninth for his seventh save.
The victory improved Cleveland to 15-16, snapping their losing streak against a Tampa Bay team that had won six straight. The Rays fell to 18-11. Rasmussen sits nine innings away from 500 career innings pitched.