Central Plains FFA Chapter

09/19 20:40 CDT Martnez homers from both sides of the plate as Guardians beat Athletics to stay atop AL Central Martnez homers from both sides of the plate as Guardians beat Athletics to stay atop AL Central CLEVELAND (AP) --- Angel Martnez homered from both sides of the plate as part of his second career four-hit game, Chase DeLauter had a three-run homer, and the Cleveland Guardians remained in first place in the AL Central with a 12-6 victory over the Athletics on Saturday night. It is the second time this month a Guardians' hitter has homered from both sides of the plate. Brayan Rocchio did it on Sept. 4 against Detroit. Martnez, who also drove in four runs, had a two-run homer during a five-run first inning and a solo shot in the fourth as the Guardians won their fourth straight. Cleveland (80-75) has a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox, who defeated Detroit 3-1. The Guardians also scored five runs in the third on the strength of four doubles, including David Fry's two-run line drive. Cleveland had five players with at least two hits. Slade Cecconi (5-7) worked the last two innings to get the win. Donovan Walton had three hits, including a two-run homer in the fifth, and drove in four runs for the Athletics. Athletics starter Jacob Lopez (6-5) allowed 10 runs and 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings. Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee went 4 2/3 innings and gave up six runs on 12 hits.

Up next Cleveland sends RHP Gavin Williams (13-8, 3.78 ERA) to the mound in its last regular-season home game. RHP Jack Perkins (3-11, 6.14) will go for the Athletics. ___ See AP's full MLB coverage here