Parker Messick couldn’t contain his excitement when it was announced that he would start for the Cleveland Guardians on the Fourth of July against the Chicago White Sox.
The left-hander ordered snazzy red, white and blue cleats for the occasion, which he modeled for reporters earlier in Cleveland’s homestand and called “pretty sweet.”
Messick (7-5, 2.85 ERA) will take on White Sox right-hander Sean Burke (5-4, 3.69) as the top two teams in the American League Central continue their four-game series on Saturday night.
“You’re just jealous,” Messick told fellow pitcher Gavin Williams, who did appear envious of the package delivered to the clubhouse. “Just wait ‘til you see the special hats and jerseys we’re wearing, too. It’s going to be really cool.”
The Guardians’ play has been pretty sweet in the first two games of the series. They now hold a one-game lead over Chicago — and have defeated the White Sox nine straight times in Cleveland — after winning on walk-off hits Thursday and Friday.
Brayan Rocchio’s two-run homer in the ninth inning off Grant Taylor lifted the Guardians to a 6-5 victory in the opener. Rookie Kahlil Watson singled in Steven Kwan in the 10th inning to give them a 4-3 triumph Friday.
Watson, who made his major league debut on June 18, has thrived against the White Sox with a .400 average, one homer and seven RBIs in five games. His game-winning single off Sean Newcomb was his first walk-off hit.
“No moment, no scene seems to be too much for him,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “It’s been really fun to see. Obviously, a really cool moment for him and a huge win for us.”
Messick is 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA in two career starts against Chicago, striking out 14 with just two walks over 13 2/3 innings. The loss occurred on June 23, when he allowed two runs in 7 2/3 innings with 10 strikeouts in the Windy City.
Still classified as a rookie, Messick is experiencing his first rocky stretch in the big leagues, going 1-4 with a 4.26 ERA over his past five starts. Prior to it, he had won nine of 11 decisions since making his major league debut last Aug. 20.
“It’s an ongoing process, I’m still young in my career,” Messick said. “We’re starting to figure out what makes me feel the best going into each start.”
Burke, who will be tasked with stopping Cleveland’s momentum, has been solid of late with a 3-1 record and 3.18 ERA in his past seven outings. That includes beating Messick 11 days ago, when he gave up one run in 6 1/3 innings.
In five lifetime appearances against the Guardians, Burke is 1-2 with a 3.48 ERA and has permitted 32 players to reach base in 20 2/3 innings.
“Our guys are really consistent,” Chicago manager Will Venable said. “They flush whatever happened in the past, and are excited to come to the ballpark and give every ounce of energy they have.”
The common thread in the losses has been poor command by White Sox pitchers, who walked nine in the opener and five Friday. In the latter, deposed closer Seranthony Dominguez was handed a 3-1 lead in the seventh, but walked Rhys Hoskins and Rocchio, and allowed them to score.
“When you’re facing the Guardians, limiting the free passes is No. 1 on the pitching side, as far as a way to beat these guys,” Venable said.
–Field Level Media
