Guardians burned by massive fielding blunder in Game 4 loss

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Guardians burned by massive fielding blunder in Game 4 loss

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 9:41 AM ET

The Cleveland Guardians quite literally let a potential win slip away during Saturday’s ALCS Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Guardians trailed 2-1 when Rays slugger Jonathan Aranda came up to bat in the top of the 7th inning at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. With runners in scoring position, Aranda smacked a single to right fielder Chase DeLauter.

A hit that would have likely driven in just one run slipped under DeLauter’s glove, allowing Aranda to scoot into third base as two runners scored.

JONATHAN ARANDA Another two runs come home for the Rays! https://t.co/8vFafvvXzP
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2026

DeLauter appeared to be loading up for a throw to home plate to keep a second run from scoring. Instead, his mistake opened the door for a big Tampa Bay inning. Aranda also came in to score on a Chandler Simpson sacrifice fly, pushing the Rays ahead 5-1.

The Rays ultimately held on for a 7-3 win, tying the series 2-2.

Rays third baseman Yandy Diaz owes Aranda a steak dinner for picking him up with the big hit in the 7th. Before Aranda came up to the plate, Diaz struck out looking on a pitch outside the zone but refused to challenge it, much to the dismay of Rays fans everywhere.

All’s well that ended well for the Rays faithful.

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