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Guardians Power Past Rangers 9-4 Behind Fry, Hedges Homers

Cleveland's offense exploded for nine runs, highlighted by home runs from Fry and Hedges, to defeat Texas 9-4 at Progressive Field.

Hart Nash

July 2, 20262 min read

MLBFinal
Texas Rangers4
Cleveland Guardians9

July 1, 2026

Cleveland's Offensive Explosion

The Cleveland Guardians secured a decisive 9-4 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Progressive Field. The win improved Cleveland’s record to 45-42, while Texas fell to 44-43. The game featured significant offensive production from the home team, who capitalized on key scoring opportunities to build an insurmountable lead.

Early Inning Surge

Cleveland established its advantage early, scoring five runs in the second inning. The scoring began with a sacrifice bunt by Hedges that moved Rocchio to first and Arias to second. Subsequent wild pitches by Rangers pitcher MacKenzie Gore allowed Arias to score and advanced other runners. The inning’s momentum shifted dramatically when Fry launched a 380-foot home run to right center, driving in Hedges and Schneemann to extend the lead.

In the third inning, Cleveland added another run after a successful challenge upheld a walk that allowed Foscue to score. The Guardians maintained their offensive pressure, adding a run in the sixth inning when Higashioka scored on a groundout and another on a double by Lopez that brought Osuna home.

Home Runs and Late Inning Runs

The Guardians continued to pile on runs in the seventh inning. DeLauter’s single to right field scored Kwan, and a wild pitch by Winston Santos allowed DeLauter to score on Hoskins’ walk. This brought the score to 7-3 in favor of Cleveland.

Texas managed to get on the board in the eighth inning when Díaz hit a 402-foot home run to left center. However, the Rangers’ comeback attempt was halted as Hedges followed with a 400-foot home run to left center, scoring Watson and sealing the 9-4 final score.

Pitching Performance

Joey Cantillo earned the win for Cleveland, pitching 5.0 innings and allowing 2 earned runs while striking out 4 batters. He was supported by Colin Holderman, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, Erik Sabrowski, and Matt Festa, who combined to pitch 4.0 scoreless or low-scoring innings. Gaddis and Herrin both recorded holds.

For the Rangers, MacKenzie Gore took the loss, pitching 5.0 innings and allowing 7 hits and 5 earned runs with 7 strikeouts. Cole Winn and Winston Santos also gave up earned runs in relief.

The game drew an attendance of 20,141 spectators to Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815984

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Hart Nash

Hart Nash covers Princeton high school and area college sports.

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