BREAKING: In a thrilling game that impacts the wild-card race, Jose Ramirez has officially moved into second place on the Cleveland Guardians all-time RBI list, surpassing Jim Thome. This milestone was achieved during the Guardians’ 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on September 10, 2023.
Ramirez delivered a pivotal moment in the sixth inning, hitting a game-tying triple off Garrett Cleavinger to notch his 938th RBI. He now trails only Earl Averill, who holds the record with 1,084 RBIs. The Guardians’ win was critical as they vie for a playoff spot, now standing at 72-70, while the Rays fall to 71-72 after this contest.
The atmosphere at Steinbrenner Field was charged, drawing a crowd of just 8,155 fans, marking the 16th time this season the Rays failed to sell out the 10,046-capacity venue. Ramirez’s remarkable play was complemented by Gabriel Arias, who later contributed an RBI single that brought home David Fry, who made a daring headfirst slide to score just before the throw from right fielder Josh Lowe arrived.
Despite entering the sixth inning with a remarkable 20-inning scoreless streak, Cleavinger (1-5) allowed the tying run, breaking his impressive run since July 5. The Guardians capitalized on this opportunity, ultimately sealing their third consecutive win in the four-game series.
On the mound, Parker Messick, a promising 24-year-old left-hander, showcased his talent by allowing just one run across six innings, striking out four and walking none. Meanwhile, Cade Smith closed the game with a perfect ninth inning, earning his 11th save in 16 chances.
As the playoff race heats up, all eyes will be on the Guardians as they continue their pursuit of a wild-card spot, currently led by the Seattle Mariners at 75-68. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ramirez’s historic performances will influence Cleveland’s chances in the closing weeks of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the Guardians strive to make their mark in the postseason!
