Gavin Williams dominates A’s with 7 shutout innings as Guardians stay atop AL Central

CLEVELAND — September 20, 2026 — 3:51 p.m. Gavin Williams delivered seven shutout innings, striking out nine while allowing only three hits, as the Cleveland Guardians edged the Oakland Athletics 1‑0 to remain atop the AL Central. Steven Kwan contributed three hits for Cleveland, which recorded its seventh victory of the season and third at home. The Guardians improved to 81‑75, holding a one‑and‑a‑game lead over the Chicago White Sox. Cleveland will close the schedule on the road with series against Boston and Kansas City. Williams (14‑8) now leads the majors with 244 strikeouts, one more than Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski. Toronto’s Dylan Cease ranks third with 239. This marks the thirteenth occasion in Williams’ 31 starts this year that he has recorded at least nine strikeouts. Reliever Cade Smith logged one‑and‑a‑third innings to secure his 39th save in 44 chances. Oakland suffered its second straight series sweep, dropping all six games on its recent road trip. The Athletics intend to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028, when they are slated to open play at a new ballpark on the Strip. José Ramirez opened the fourth inning with a triple down the right‑field line, advanced to third on a fielding error by Chase DeLauter, and scored when Jo Adell delivered an RBI infield single. Pitcher Jack Perkins (3‑12) fielded a bunted grounder in front of the mound, but his throw struck Adell in the back as she occupied the basepath. Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was ejected for the third time this season after arguing the call. Perkins worked six innings, yielding one run on four hits. Oakland’s best scoring opportunity arrived in the eighth with runners on second and third and one out. Hunter Gaddis struck out pinch‑hitter Carlos Cortes, and Smith induced a swinging strike from Henry Bolte. **Up next** Athletics: Return home to face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. Left‑hander Brady Brasso (1‑3, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to start.