Cleveland Guardians pitchers Cade Smith and Parker Messick helped the American League win the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
“This guys disgusting, so we’ll see what happens.”
That’s what Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper said as he walked up to the plate to face the Cleveland Guardians’ pitcher Cade Smith in the sixth inning of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Harper was well aware of what Cade was capable of on the mound. He even admitted Smith’s fastball “looked like a million [mph]” as it flew past him.
Still, the Phillies All-Star was no match for Cleveland’s closer and struck out.
When looking at all the storylines from the All-Star Game, the Guardians’ elite pitching definitely stands out.
Smith ended up pitching a clean sixth inning, striking out both Harper and Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder Corbin Carroll, while getting Milwaukee Brewers’ Williams Contreras to fly out to right field.
Before Smith shut down the middle of the National League’s lineup, another Guardians pitcher did his job earlier in the game.
Cleveland’s rookie All-Star Parker Messick followed American League starting pitcher Dylan Cease in the bottom of the second inning. Cleveland’s rookie All-Star pitched a perfect inning, and a quick one at that.
Jul 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (77) pitches during the second inning for the All-Star Game at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesMessick got Los Angeles Dodgers’ third baseman Max Muncy to pop out in foul territory on one pitch. Atlanta Braves’ second baseman Ozzie Albies was the next batter to step up to the plate, and he grounded out to first base after two pitches.
The longest battle of the inning came with the hometown hero, Brandon Marsh, at the plate. The Philadelphia Phillies outfielder worked a 3-2 count, fouled off three pitches, and eventually struck out on a called third strike in the seventh pitch of the at-bat.
It only took Messick 10 pitches to work through the National League’s five, six, and seven hitters.
The pair of Guardians pitchers combined to throw two perfect innings while striking out three batters. These performances were crucial for the American League, which went on to beat the National League 4-0 in the All-Star Game.
Considering what has been the strength of this Cleveland through the first half of the season, the Guardians stealing the show in the All-Star game with its best starter and MLB’s saves leader is very fitting.
Guardians Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Guardians. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
