Cleveland Swept in Tampa

Nicole WilliamsSun, July 26, 2026 at 6:44 PM UTC·1 min read

With the looming threat of a series sweep, the Cleveland Guardians headed into today’s matinee game against the Tampa Bay Rays only two games above .500. Parker Messick was about as great as you could ever hope from a starter, but what is quickly becoming the norm for the rookie lefty. Messick went 7.2 innings of one run ball. He allowed six hits and struck out six. A funky pop bunt in the bottom of the sixth accounted for the sole run in an otherwise scoreless game.

Colin Holderman finished the eighth inning, getting the final out behind back-to-back challenges from catcher Austin Hedges that overturned two ball calls to strikes.

There wasn’t much in terms of highlights for this game, period. Especially so for Cleveland’s offense. Kyle Manzardo made a great leaping grab in the beginning of the game to end the third.