Gavin Williams needed only nine pitches to get through the top of the fourth inning during a Thursday matinee against the Minnesota Twins. The Cleveland Guardians' pitcher was efficient as he recorded the fifth immaculate inning in franchise history, throwing only strikes to three batters.

Byron Buxton, Ryan Jeffers and Josh Bell each struck out on three pitches, with Williams recording five swinging strikes, two looking and two foul balls to retire the side.

José Ramírez was apparently unaware of the history made by Williams and nearly tossed the ball into the stands following the third out. Thankfully, catcher Patrick Bailey saved the day by alerting the third baseman to hold on to the ball.

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Williams was in the zone as he finished his outing with 11 strikeouts for the third straight start and second time this month against Minnesota. He was replaced before the eighth inning, having thrown 97 pitches and with the Guardians leading 1-0.

The last immaculate inning by a Guardians pitcher came in September 2022, when Enyel De Los Santos made quick work of Christian Bethancourt, Jose Siri and Taylor Walls of the Tampa Bay Rays. The rare feat was also achieved by Zach Plesac (September 2020 vs. Detroit), Carlos Carrasco (July 2017 vs. Detroit) and Justin Masterson (June 2014 vs. Boston).

Williams' achievement marks the second time this season that an MLB pitcher has delivered an immaculate inning. Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Michael Soroka struck out Javier Báez, Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres of the Detroit Tigers on nine pitches on March 30.

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The Guardians and Williams missed out on the victory, however, after Alan Roden tied the game with a run-scoring single in the top of the eighth inning. In the top of the 12th, Trevor Larnach and Luke Keaschall each hit RBI singles as the Twins prevailed 3-1.