Guardians clinch AL playoff berth with walk-off, 3-2 win in 10 innings over Twins

CLEVELAND, OH – In a thrilling showdown on Thursday, Andrés Giménez drove in José Ramírez from second base with a single in the 10th inning, clinching a playoff berth for the Cleveland Guardians with a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

With Ramírez on second as the automatic runner, Twins reliever Caleb Thielbar struck out Josh Naylor and intentionally walked Lane Thomas to face Giménez, who had already recorded three hits in the game. Giménez then delivered, hitting a 3-2 pitch into right field to score Ramírez effortlessly.

As Ramírez rounded third, the Guardians’ dugout erupted in celebration, marking their major league-leading 42nd comeback victory and second straight in extra innings. With this win, Cleveland became the second American League team to secure a postseason spot, following the New York Yankees.

This victory also positioned the Guardians to potentially end the longest active World Series drought in baseball, which dates back to 1948, when the team was known as the Indians.

The Twins put pressure on the Guardians in the 10th, loading the bases with one out against Eli Morgan. However, Morgan rose to the occasion, retiring Carlos Correa on a foul pop-up and getting Byron Buxton to line out to right, escaping the jam.

Cleveland’s bullpen has been a cornerstone of their success this season, contributing 5 2/3 hitless innings in this game. Rookie Kyle Manzardo added to the excitement with a homer, and his performance has been stellar since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus, batting .357 with four home runs and seven RBIs in just 16 games.

The Guardians have been a surprise this season, bouncing back from a 76-86 record last year, all while navigating the departure of beloved manager Terry Francona. Under new manager Pete Vogt, who had never filled out a lineup card before spring training, the team has thrived.

After the game, in a jubilant clubhouse celebration, catcher Austin Hedges presented Vogt with a championship belt, while players showered him with champagne and beer.

Cleveland has maintained first place in the division since mid-April, with contributions from All-Stars Ramírez, Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, and Emmanuel Clase, alongside impressive performances from younger players.

As the Guardians gear up for their next challenge, they will face the St. Louis Cardinals for their final three road games of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Twins will head to Boston to start a three-game series, hoping to secure a wild card spot.