Guardians' Gavin Williams: Can't escape fifth inning

Williams (2-6) took the loss Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits and four walks over 4.1 innings against the Yankees. He struck out five.

Williams was locked in a pitcher's duel early against Gerrit Cole but was tagged by an Aaron Judge solo blast in the fourth inning, then was pulled after a couple of batters reached base in the fifth, both of whom came around to score. Combined with the Guardians' moribund bats, it was more than enough damage for Williams to be handed his sixth loss. Williams has now failed to make it through the fifth inning in three of his last four appearances, tallying a 7.36 ERA and 1.64 WHIP over 18.1 innings during that stretch. With a banged-up bullpen and a playoff push ahead for Cleveland, they'll continue to rely upon Williams to regain his form during the stretch run. He'll look to bounce back during his next start, slated to take place at home against the Royals.