CHICAGO -- Guardians manager Stephen Vogt had never experienced a no-hit bid from the manager's seat in a dugout before Gavin Williams' chase for Cleveland history on Wednesday in New York.
On Friday, Vogt shared his perspective prior to Juan Soto breaking things up with a solo home run in with one out in the ninth.
"'Please pop up on the first pitch' to everybody who was hitting, that was the main thing going through my head," Vogt said during an interview on MLB Network Radio.
The second-year manager found himself in unfamiliar territory, unsure of what to say as Williams went after Cleveland's first no-hitter in 44 years. With Vogt not wanting to jinx the outcome, he ceased communication with pitching coach Carl Willis, and associate manager Craig Albernaz.
"I didn't know if I could talk to Carl. I didn't know if I could talk to Alby," Vogt said. "I didn't talk to anyone after the sixth inning because I didn't know what the protocol was. Carl ignored me, Alby ignored me and I ignored them."
The silence was a departure from the coaching staff's typically collaborative approach. "We're constantly talking every single game. We kind of know what each other are thinking before we even say it," Vogt explained.
While acknowledging baseball's traditional superstitions around no-hitters, Vogt described himself as "a little bit stitious," respecting the sport's unwritten rules.
Looking ahead to Williams' next start, Vogt indicated the pitcher is scheduled to remain on regular rest, though the team will monitor his recovery.
"Right now the plan is to see how he is feeling day to day," Vogt said, noting that the team has methods to test players' recovery and strength before starts.
The Guardians also benefited from Thursday's off day, which Vogt said allowed the team to celebrate Williams' remarkable performance for an extended period. "Gavin was so special," Vogt said. "We really got to celebrate that game for 48 hours."
Cleveland's impressive run of winning 19 out of their last 26 games since July 7 is no accident, according to Vogt, who points to the club's unwavering work ethic and preparation as key factors in their recent success.
Vogt emphasized how the team's commitment to their process has paid off. "I think we're playing the baseball we're capable of over the last month," Vogt said. "It's just a testament to the work that our guys put in, the work that our coaching staff puts in."
The consistent messaging has been a cornerstone of their approach since spring training. "Stick to who we are, keep working every day, keep fighting, keep making yourself better, keep making the people around you better," Vogt explained, highlighting the philosophy that has guided the team through both challenging and successful periods.
Vogt acknowledged that baseball brings various challenges, but maintained that success comes from staying true to their identity. "Everyone goes through tough times, hard times, easy times or smoother times. No easy times," he said. "But I think it's just a testament to believe in your process and stick to it."
Gabriel Arias carried a season-high five game hitting streak into Friday's series opener against the White Sox. Since Aug. 2, Arias is batting .316 with a triple, home run and six RBI. His six RBI since the start of August were tied for eighth most in the AL ... Daniel Schneemann wrapped up the mets series batting .311 in 15 games since the All-Star break. That stretch includes four doubles, a home run, four RBI and nine walks. Schneemann is hitting .273 in road games this season ... Brayan Rocchio entered play Friday having hit safely in nine of his last 12 games since July 26, batting .325 (13-for-40) with three doubles, a triple and six RBI in that stretch.