The Cleveland Guardians secured their second AL Central championship in three years as the Kansas City Royals lost 9-0 to the San Francisco Giants. José Ramírez and the Guardians had already guaranteed a spot in the postseason by earning an American League wild card with a 3-2 victory against Minnesota earlier in the week. Cleveland needed a win against St. Louis or a Kansas City loss to clinch the division title, and the latter happened before the Guardians even finished their game against the Cardinals. This marks Cleveland’s 12th division title in the AL Central since 1995.

The Guardians are currently in a close race with the New York Yankees, who lead the AL East, for the top seed in the American League playoffs. However, Cleveland is on track to secure at least the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye. This victory puts the Guardians in a good position as they head into the postseason.