Guardians-Diamondbacks benches clear as bunt ends perfect game bid

On August 2, 2026, at Progressive Field, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams carried a perfect game through five innings. In the top of the sixth, Arizona Diamondbacks utility player Tim Tawa attempted a bunt that went foul, then hit a single to right field that broke up the perfect‑game bid. Guardians catcher Patrick Bailey and shortstop Brayan Rocchio confronted Tawa, leading to a benches‑clearing scramble that was halted by a rain delay. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo defended the bunt, saying, “I’m totally fine with him bunting in the sixth inning of a game,” and cited prior discussions about unwritten rules. The Diamondbacks ultimately lost 5‑0, remaining a game behind in the NL second Wild Card race.