Messick throws 6 strong innings and Hedges hits 2-run homer as Guardians beat Angels 4-2

On Monday night, the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Los Angeles Angels 4-2, thanks to a strong six-inning performance by Parker Messick and a two-run homer by Austin Hedges. Messick, who has a 10-8 record this season, gave up three hits, struck out four, and walked one over six innings, extending his streak of starts with two or fewer runs allowed to nine. Through 26 starts, Messick has a 2.50 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 155 innings.

Jo Adell contributed to the Guardians' win by hitting a go-ahead single against his former team, the Angels. Messick's performance was further enhanced by Colin Holderman, who struck out the final three batters he faced in the seventh inning. Hunter Gaddis pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Cade Smith, who earned his 34th save, pitched a scoreless ninth inning before giving up a run.

The Guardians' win marked their fifth consecutive victory and brought them within 2 1/2 games of the first-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. Angels rookie George Klassen gave up three runs, including two earned, and six hits over 5 1/3 innings. Adell, acquired from the Angels on August 3, increased his RBI total to 13 in six games with his two-out single in the fifth inning.

Hedges' two-out homer in the sixth inning stretched the Guardians' lead to 4-1. The Angels managed to narrow the deficit to 4-2 with Gustavo Campero's sacrifice fly in the ninth inning. However, Christian Moore hit into a double play, ending the game for the Angels. Messick retired his first nine batters before Zach Neto and Mike Trout opened the fourth inning with singles.

While Neto went to third base on Trout's hit, Trout advanced to second base on the throw, keeping the inning alive. Moisés Ballesteros followed with an RBI single, advancing Grissom to third base. Messick then retired Jose Siri and Campero to secure the victory for the Guardians. The Guardians will face Angels rookie Walbert Ureña on Tuesday night.