Guardians Drop Game 3 to Blue Jays

TL;DR

The Guardians lost Game 3 to the Blue Jays, with Slade Cecconi allowing four runs over 5.2 innings. Despite a late rally, the Guardians couldn't overcome the Blue Jays' sixth-inning surge.

Key points

Guardians lost Game 3 to Blue Jays
Slade Cecconi pitched 5.2 innings with 4 runs allowed
Guardians scored two runs to tie the game
Angel Martínez made a key defensive catch
Guardians next face Tampa Bay in a three-game series

Cleveland GuardiansToronto Blue JaysSlade CecconiAngel Martínez

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 26: Angel Martínez #1 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a double in the fifth inning during the game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Sunday, April 26, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Michael Chisholm/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images With another series on the line, the Guardians faced the Blue Jays in Game 3, behind starting pitcher Slade Cecconi. Slade Cecconi struggled in the bottom of the first, giving up two hits, a walk, and two runs and driving his pitch count high for the starter. However, he tightened up for the next four innings and only allowed two hits and kept his pitch count to 70 pitches thrown. The sixth inning bookended the start with similar results as the first. Two hits and a two-run home run gave the lead back to the Blue Jays. Slade recorded two more outs before being replaced by Tim Herrin to retire the side. Slade finished his day having gone 5.2IP/6H/4R/1BB/5Ks. The Guardians were looking to start the game with some momentum. Steven Kwan hit a lead off single, but Angel Martínez grounded into a force out, leaving Kwan out and Martínez on first base. With two outs and up to bat, Angel attempted to steal second. He was called out and the team challenged the call, but it was ultimately upheld. This retired the side and took the Guards challenge away in the first inning. Both teams were held scoreless for the second, third, and fourth innings. The bottom of the Cleveland lineup pieced together some offense to tie it up. Juan Brito and hit back-to-back singles to put runners on the corner. slapped a single of his own to center field to score Brito. Kwan hit into a double play, putting Hedgey on third. Angle Martínez doubled to left, scoring Hedgey and tying the game. The Guardians didn’t have an answer for the two runs the put up in the sixth. There were two defensive gems today that are worth highlighting. Rocchio had a great snag at short in the bottom of the third to end the inning. Angel Martínez made an incredible jumping catch to get Vlad Guerrero Jr. out in the bottom of the eighth. The Guardians return home to face Tampa Bay in a 3 game series before heading out west for the weekend.

Q&A

What were Slade Cecconi's stats in Game 3 against the Blue Jays?

Slade Cecconi pitched 5.2 innings, allowing 6 hits, 4 runs, 1 walk, and recording 5 strikeouts.

How did the Guardians score in Game 3 against the Blue Jays?

The Guardians scored by tying the game with back-to-back singles from Juan Brito and Austin Hedges, followed by a single from Brayan Rocchio and a double from Angel Martínez.

What is the Guardians' upcoming schedule after losing to the Blue Jays?

The Guardians will return home to face the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series before heading out west for the weekend.