BREAKING: The Cleveland Guardians have officially clinched a playoff berth in a nail-biting finish against the Texas Rangers, winning 3-2 on a walk-off hit by pitch (HBP) from Robert Garcia in the bottom of the ninth inning. This thrilling victory, achieved just last night, guarantees the Guardians at least a wild card spot in the American League.
With this win, Cleveland’s record now stands at 87-74, keeping them tied with Detroit at the top of the AL Central as the regular season approaches its final day. The Guardians are the first team in the last 100 seasons to secure a playoff position via a walk-off HBP, according to ESPN Research.
The Guardians had a remarkable turnaround this season; they were 40-48 on July 6 and significantly behind in the standings. With their latest victory, the fourth-place Guardians have now positioned themselves for a shot at their second consecutive division title. A win against Texas today or a Tigers loss at Boston would clinch the division.
In last night’s decisive moment, Petey Halpin scored the winning run after coming in as a pinch runner for Johnathan Rodriguez, whose two-out walk set the stage for the dramatic finish. Kayfus was hit on his right arm by Garcia’s second pitch, sealing the game in a clutch moment.
The Guardians’ pitching was stellar, with Cade Smith earning the win after retiring five batters and the bullpen combining for 3.1 scoreless innings. Earlier, Rodríguez had given Cleveland an initial lead with a two-run homer off Jacob Latz in the first inning, scoring Jose Ramirez.
The Rangers tied the game in the fourth inning with a towering 433-foot homer from Adolis Garcia off Joey Cantillo, but it was the Guardians’ resilience that ultimately shone through in the nail-biting finish.
As the playoff picture becomes clearer, the Houston Astros were eliminated from postseason contention following the Guardians’ victory, marking the first time since 2016 that Houston will miss the playoffs.
The atmosphere in Cleveland is electric as fans rally behind their team. With one game remaining in the regular season, all eyes are on the Guardians as they aim for victory and a chance to solidify their place in the postseason.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Guardians prepare to take on the Rangers again today, with a pivotal matchup that could determine their division title aspirations.
