UPDATE: Slade Cecconi’s quest for a historic no-hitter came to a dramatic end in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians surged to a decisive 10-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on September 25, 2023. This victory not only marked Cleveland’s fourth consecutive win but also propelled them past the Royals in the AL wild-card race, intensifying postseason hopes.
Cecconi, who had been six outs away from delivering the first no-hitter of the MLB season, received a roaring ovation from the crowd at Progressive Field before Kansas City’s Michael Massey broke the bid with a single on his 95th pitch. The right-hander was on the brink of making history, as the Guardians had not seen a no-hitter since Len Barker’s perfect game in 1981.
After the single, Cecconi quickly bounced back, inducing a double play that kept the Guardians in control. With this win, Cleveland improved to 73-70, while Kansas City fell to 73-71, creating a critical shift in the AL Central standings.
The Guardians showcased their offensive power, amassing a season-high 16 hits and seven doubles. Key contributors included Kyle Manzardo, Daniel Schneemann, and Nolan Jones, each driving in two runs. The team exploded for six runs in the fourth inning, overwhelming Royals’ pitcher Ryan Bergert, who struggled to contain the Guardians’ potent lineup.
In a concerning note for the Royals, All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. missed his third consecutive game due to back spasms, although manager Matt Quatraro indicated that Witt had participated in light drills prior to the game and could return to action as early as Tuesday.
This victory places Cleveland just 2.5 games behind Seattle for the final wild card spot, making every game critical as the season nears its conclusion. Fans are eager to see if the Guardians can maintain this momentum in the upcoming games.
As the playoff race heats up, all eyes will be on the Guardians and their quest for postseason glory. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops!
