Red-Hot Cleveland Guardians Shock MLB with Record-Breaking Start to 2026 Season

CLEVELAND — Rookie left-hander Parker Messick electrified Progressive Field on Thursday night, carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Baltimore’s Leody Taveras spoiled the bid with a first-pitch single. The 25-year-old finished with nine strikeouts over 8 IP, allowing just two hits and two walks on 112 pitches as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Orioles 4-0. Messick, the 54th overall pick in 2022, was making only his 11th big-league start but entered with a 0.51 ERA in three outings this season. After walking Taylor Ward to start the game, he retired 15 straight and leaned on a diving changeup that induced eight whiffs. José Ramírez backed the gem with a two-run homer in the first, while Steven Kwan and George Valera tacked on RBI singles. Cleveland’s search for its first no-hitter since Len Barker’s 1981 perfect game continues, yet Messick’s dominance is another sign the club’s vaunted rotation is ready to anchor an early-season gauntlet. The Guardians have already faced playoff hopefuls Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta, emerging with a 10-7 record despite dropping their first series of 2026 to the Braves earlier this week. Manager Stephen Vogt praised the rookie’s poise: “Parker attacked from pitch one. Even after the hit, he wanted the ball. That’s the mentality that plays in October.” Messick’s outing lowered Cleveland’s rotation ERA to 2.58, second-best in MLB. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR GUARDIANS FANS AND FANTASY PLAYERS • Messick now owns a 0.86 ERA and a 0.67 WHIP, vaulting into early American League Rookie of the Year discussions. • Ramírez’s blast gives him 5 HR and 16 RBI, reinforcing his status as the lineup’s engine. • Cleveland’s bullpen, headlined by closer Cade Smith, preserved the shutout and has converted 9 of 10 save chances. WHAT’S NEXT The Guardians open a three-game home set against the division-rival Tigers on Friday. Slade Cecconi (1-1, 3.38) faces Detroit ace Tarik Skubal. With Messick lined up for Wednesday, Cleveland could gain ground in the AL Central before another tough road swing through Houston and Texas. SEARCH-FRIENDLY QUICK HITS • Parker Messick nearly no-hits Orioles • Cleveland Guardians end 45-year no-hit drought chase • José Ramírez home run highlights win • Guardians vs. Orioles 4/16/26 score and recap Fans can secure seats for Messick’s next start and limited-edition bobblehead nights at Guardians.com/tickets.