When a team has lost six games in a row, someone needs to step up and deliver a dominant performance.

Parker Messick did the job last night, as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-0 at Progressive Field.

In his second big-league start, the 24-year-old left-hander fired seven shutout innings. He gave up four hits and no walks while striking out six.

Messick (1-0) became only the third pitcher in Cleveland history to open his career with two performances of at least six innings, one run, and six strikeouts. The others were Luis Tiant in 1964 and Aaron Civale in 2019.

Hunter Gaddis pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Cade Smith finished up for his eighth save.

IS THE OFFENSE BACK?

Cleveland’s offense has been shut out three times in a row for the first time since 1991. They “exploded” for three runs in the first inning.

Kyle Manzardo’s infield single scored Steven Kwan. Bo Naylor hit a sacrifice fly to bring home CJ Kayfus, who was in the No. 2 spot in the lineup.

Brayan Rocchio completed the rally with a single to score Manzardo.

After that burst, Rays starter Shane Baz (8-11) righted the ship by retiring 16 Guardians in a row.

In fact, Cleveland didn’t get a hit after the first inning. Angel Martinez was the only other baserunner with an eighth-inning walk.

GOODBYE AGAIN?

Before the game, the Guardians placed 39-year-old first baseman Carlos Santana on waivers. If no team claims Santana in 48 hours, he could return to the roster.

Santana is batting .225 with 11 homers and 52 RBI in his third stint with the Cleveland Indians/Guardians.

Cleveland will try to win the series this afternoon. Slade Cecconi (5-6, 4.41 ERA) will start for Cleveland against the Rays’ Drew Rasmussen (10-5, 2.62).

First pitch is set for 1:10 on the MLB Network.