CLEVELAND — In a thrilling conclusion, Kyle Manzardo blasted a home run to right field, initiating the bottom of the ninth inning and propelling the Cleveland Guardians to a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, effectively halting Cleveland’s three-game losing streak. Manzardo skillfully executed a swing on a centrally positioned changeup delivered by Louis Varland, bringing his home run tally to eight for the season and marking his first career walk-off hit.
This exciting win marked only the second walk-off triumph for the Guardians this season. Their first was during the home opener on April 8, where they narrowly defeated the Chicago White Sox 1-0 thanks to a bases-loaded walk.
Emmanuel Clase, now boasting a 4-0 record, secured the win after delivering a flawless performance in the ninth inning. Joining in the offensive efforts, Bo Naylor also hit a home run for Cleveland.
From the Minnesota bench, Ty France stood out with three hits, though the team’s four-game winning streak came to an end. Naylor, who had been struggling with only two hits in his previous 20 at-bats over six games, showcased his determination. He faced Twins’ starter Chris Paddack for nine pitches before blasting a fastball into the right field stands, giving the Guardians a 1-0 lead by the third inning.
However, the Twins’ Ty France responded in the fifth inning with a remarkable solo home run off Cleveland’s starting pitcher, Tanner Bibee, leveling the score. This marked France’s fourth consecutive game with an RBI.
A crucial moment unfolded in the ninth when France managed to hit a single to center off Clase with one out. DaShawn Keirsay Jr. took over as a pinch runner but was promptly caught stealing at second base, eliminating Minnesota’s chances.
On a weather-related note, the game faced a significant delay of over three hours due to the looming threat of thunderstorms in the area.
Looking ahead, Minnesota plans to send right-hander Pablo López (2-1, 2.08 ERA) to the mound, while Cleveland will counter with right-hander Luis Ortiz (2-3, 5.96 ERA) on Wednesday.