José Ramírez hits 3-run homer in 8th, playoff-bound Guardians beat Reds 5-2

José Ramírez delivered a pivotal three-run home run in the eighth inning, following a stretch in which Cleveland pitchers retired the first 18 batters, propelling the AL Central champion Guardians to a 5-2 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday evening.

This marked Ramírez's 38th home run of the season, as he connected with Emilio Pagán (4-5) with two outs, bringing Steven Kwan and Angel Martínez across the plate. The All-Star third baseman also showcased his versatility by hitting a double and a triple, while scoring twice. He currently boasts 115 RBIs and 40 stolen bases.

“One of my favorite aspects of this job is the opportunity to watch José every night,” remarked Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. “There is truly no effective way to pitch to him.”

Cleveland has secured a first-round bye in the playoffs and is actively pursuing the top seed in the American League, trailing the New York Yankees by just one game with three games left to play.

The Guardians utilized seven pitchers during the game, with Hunter Gaddis (6-3) earning the victory, while Emmanuel Clase faced a bases-loaded situation before achieving his franchise-record 47th save. This performance ties him with St. Louis’ Ryan Helsley for the major league lead.

“Clase means everything to us,” Ramírez stated through an interpreter. “Along with all the bullpen guys, we owe our success to them.”

Cincinnati did not register a baserunner until TJ Friedl reached first base on a bunt single in the seventh inning, which Tim Herrin failed to field in time. Friedl subsequently scored due to a throwing error by Andrés Giménez, narrowing the deficit to 2-1 for the Reds.

Vogt remarked that Friedl executed “a good baseball play” by placing the bunt toward first base, even in light of the historical context.

“If it were a starting pitcher in the seventh inning, that would be a different scenario, but this was a bullpen game,” Friedl stated. “Bunting is part of my game; it’s not unexpected. I’m focused on the game. We were trailing by two runs.”

In the eighth inning, Jake Fraley scored following a misplayed single by center fielder Lane Thomas, marking Cleveland’s third error in just two innings, which allowed the score to be tied against Gaddis.

Andrew Walters pitched the initial 1 2/3 innings for the Guardians, matching the MLB record with his eighth consecutive hitless appearance to start his career. Erik Sabrowski, Cade Smith, and Eli Morgan preserved the perfect game through the sixth inning.

Kwan opened the game with a home run after returning from an 11-day stint on the injured list due to mid-back inflammation. Josh Naylor contributed an RBI single in the fourth inning, also against Reds starter Jakob Junis, who completed five innings.

“I felt like the narrative was destined to unfold after the sixth inning with our bullpen,” Kwan commented. “They have been exceptional for us throughout the season.”

Prior to the game, Vogt announced that right-hander Tanner Bibee and left-hander Matthew Boyd would be making their next starts in the ALDS, foregoing their final regular-season appearances.