Rookie Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning to put the Cleveland Guardians ahead, and Emmanuel Clase earned his 46th save as the Guardians came from behind to defeat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Monday night, strengthening their lead in the AL Central.
With Josh Naylor on second base after a double, Manzardo hit the first pitch from Griffin Jax (4-5) into the right-field stands for his third homer of the season. This hit sparked excitement in Cleveland’s dugout and throughout Progressive Field.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who was very emotional during his postgame interview, said, “I’m so happy for him. Everyone who grows up wanting to play baseball has dreamed of that moment happening. The smile on his face looking back at our dugout, that was incredible.”
Vogt took a moment to regain his composure and added, “My favorite part is Naylor at second base standing there watching it and cheering, waiting for him at home plate with a smile on his face. To see two teammates come together like that, that’s powerful stuff.”
Manzardo described his experience rounding the bases as unforgettable, saying, “I floated a little bit. I don’t remember all of it, honestly.”
This win, which was their MLB-leading 40th come-from-behind victory, moved the Guardians 7 1/2 games ahead of the defending division champion Twins and reduced Cleveland’s magic number for clinching a playoff spot to two.
Clase, who is making a strong case for the Cy Young Award, closed out the game in the ninth inning for his 33rd consecutive save and 46th of the season, tying José Mesa’s club record for saves in a single season from 1995.
“It’s really special,” Clase said about matching Mesa’s record. “It’s all about the focus, being able to stay focused on every single pitch and to execute every single pitch when I get the chance to pitch.”
Rookie Andrew Walters (1-0) earned his first career win as Cleveland’s top-ranked bullpen pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings to support starter Matthew Boyd, who was pulled from the game in the third inning.
