Toronto Blue Jays at Cleveland Guardians

As Gavin Williams headed off the field in the seventh inning on Tuesday, he was serenaded by a standing ovation from the Progressive Field faithful. The big right-hander, who has been one of the Majors’ top strikeout artists this season, was in top form once again. It’s nights such as this one that remind us what Williams is capable of when he is at his best. “Being the best starter in the league,” Guardians catcher and batterymate Patrick Bailey said. “No doubt about it.” Williams set a new career high with 13 strikeouts on Tuesday, to lead the Guardians to a 6-1 win over the Blue Jays in the opener of a key three-game series. Over seven innings, he allowed just one unearned run on two hits, one walk and one hit batter, while throwing just 97 pitches (including 64 strikes) in the masterful performance. Williams became the first Cleveland pitcher with 13-plus strikeouts in a starts since Triston McKenzie (also 13) on Sept. 21, 2022. The outing also marked Williams’ 10th this season with 10-plus strikeouts, which is tied for the MLB lead with the Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski. Bailey, Angel Genao and Angel Martínez each belted a two-run homer to power the Guardians offensively. This was an ideal way for the Guardians to open September. Cleveland (70-68) maintained its grip on the third American League Wild Card spot while also taking care of business against a team that is vying to knock it off its perch. The Blue Jays (68-71) were one of three teams that entered Tuesday within 1 1/2 games of the Guardians in the Wild Card race.  While the Guardians have their sights set on catching the AL Central-leading White Sox (who held a three-game lead entering Tuesday) over the next four weeks, games like this will help Cleveland’s cause on all fronts.  Coming off one of his worst starts this season, Williams paved the way, just as the Guardians will need him to do as they push for a spot in the postseason.  “We knew he was going to come out with a little chip after his last one, but I don't think we could have asked for that,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Absolutely lights out \[performance by\