Rodríguez's First MLB Home Run Powers Guardians Past Athletics 8-6

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

CLEVELAND — Johnathan Rodríguez hit his first career home run, Slade Cecconi went a career-long 8 1/3 innings, and the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Athletics 8-6.

David Fry also homered, and José Ramírez contributed with a pair of extra-base hits, helping the Guardians secure their seventh win in eight games after a 10-game losing streak.

For the Athletics, All-Star Brent Rooker hit his 100th career home run, and Shea Langeliers added a solo shot in the seventh inning.

Cecconi (5-4) allowed six runs on eight hits with two strikeouts. The right-hander retired the first 12 Athletics batters he faced before Rooker's solo blast in the fifth inning.

Cecconi was on track for his first complete game, but Nick Kurtz and Rooker opened the ninth inning with triples, followed by an RBI double from Langeliers with one out, which ended Cecconi’s outing.

Miguel Andujar brought the Athletics within two runs with an RBI double off Emmanuel Clase. However, Clase struck out Max Muncy and Denzel Clarke to secure his 21st save in 25 opportunities.

Rodríguez, who was 11 for 81 in two big-league seasons entering the game, drove a fastball from JP Sears (7-8) into the left-center field bleachers in the second inning.

The Guardians extended their lead with four runs in the third inning, featuring an RBI hit from Angel Martinez, Fry's two-run homer, and Carlos Santana's sacrifice fly that scored Ramírez.

Key Moment

Cleveland further extended its lead to 7-0 in the fourth inning with a two-run double by Brayan Rocchio.

Key Stat

This victory marks Cecconi's first big-league home win. He previously held an 0-6 record with a 7.39 ERA in 17 home games (11 starts) across three seasons with Arizona and Cleveland before this outing.

Up Next

RHP Luis Severino (2-11, 5.16 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the Athletics, while the Cleveland Guardians will counter with LHP Logan Allen (6-7, 4.00 ERA) on Saturday night.

In Summary

The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Athletics 8-6 in a game highlighted by Johnathan Rodríguez's first major league home run and Slade Cecconi's career-long 8 1/3 innings, marking his first home victory. David Fry also homered for the Guardians, who saw José Ramírez contribute significantly. The Athletics staged a late comeback fueled by Brent Rooker's 100th career homer and Shea Langeliers' solo shot, but Emmanuel Clase closed out the game for his 21st save. The Guardians' offense, including a key two-run double by Brayan Rocchio, built an early lead that ultimately secured their win.

Related Links

• Athletics News & Updates
• Athletics Schedule & Scores
• Cleveland Guardians News & Updates
• Cleveland Guardians Schedule & Scores
• MLB News