Chase DeLauter’s Late-Game Heroics Lift Cleveland Guardians to Thrilling Comeback Win
CLEVELAND — Rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter has experienced the highs and lows of Major League Baseball in just his first month with the Cleveland Guardians. After an explosive start to the season, the young slugger found himself mired in a slump—until a clutch, game-changing hit reignited his momentum and secured a dramatic victory for his team.
DeLauter, who debuted during last year’s AL Wild Card series against Detroit, began his 2024 campaign on fire. In his first seven regular-season games, he smashed five home runs and drove in eight RBIs, batting an impressive .346. However, after a two-run homer in Cleveland’s home opener against the Chicago Cubs on April 3, his fortunes took a turn.
By Tuesday night’s game against the Houston Astros, DeLauter was stuck in a 7-for-47 skid, with his batting average plummeting to .211. But when the Guardians needed him most, the 22-year-old delivered in spectacular fashion.
With Cleveland trailing 4-3 in the eighth inning, DeLauter stepped up to the plate with one out and the bases loaded. On a 2-2 count, he lined a fastball from Astros reliever Bryan King down the left-field line. The ball skidded past a diving attempt by Brice Matthews, rolling into the corner as three runners crossed the plate. DeLauter slid into third base with his first career triple, giving the Guardians a 6-4 lead en route to an 8-5 victory.
“Big situation, one out, trying to get a ball forward,” DeLauter said after the game. “I was looking for a heater. I got a couple there that I fouled off, but just trying to battle and get something out there. I got the pitch to hit.”
The hit was a breakthrough moment for DeLauter and the Guardians, who were previously 0-10 when trailing after seven innings this season. The win marked their fourth victory in six games during their current homestand.
“It’s no secret he hasn’t gotten results, but this kid’s a good hitter,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “Good hitters use the whole field, and [this was] a cool moment for him. Obviously, a huge hit for us. We needed a comeback win like that tonight.”
Despite DeLauter’s struggles, Vogt maintained confidence in his rookie, keeping him in the lineup and batting him second between All-Star outfielders Steven Kwan and José Ramírez.
“The game moves fast,” DeLauter said of his recent challenges. “You get off to a hot start, and teams want to figure out how to shut that down. The big thing is not falling into those adjustments and wondering why it’s happening and what’s going wrong. Hearing from the team that they believe in you and want you out there—it’s a good feeling.”
While DeLauter’s overall numbers have dipped, he has consistently delivered in late-game situations. He’s now 6 for 19 with two home runs and seven RBIs in the eighth inning or later this season.
Batting ahead of Ramírez, one of the league’s most feared hitters, hasn’t added pressure, DeLauter insists. “Of course, I want to get José up there with runners on as much as possible,” he said. “But if I’m putting too much pressure on myself, it doesn’t put me in the best spot. The best thing I can do is go up to the plate with confidence and be myself.”
With Tuesday’s heroics, DeLauter has not only reignited his season but also proven he can thrive under pressure—a promising sign for the Guardians as they aim to climb the standings.
— Reported by Nexio News
