Local watch: Manzardo's go-ahead homer puts Guardians on brink of playoffs
SUE OGROCKI/Associated Press Kyle Manzardo of the Cleveland Guardians, the former Lake City High and Washington State star, reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins on Monday in Cleveland. The Guardians won 4-3.
From wire services and local reports
CLEVELAND — Rookie Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run, go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and Emmanuel Clase recorded his 46th save as the Cleveland Guardians rallied to beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Monday night to tighten their grip on the AL Central.
With Josh Naylor on second after a double, Manzardo, the former Lake City High and Washington State star, connected on the first pitch from Griffin Jax (4-5), sending it deep into the right-field seats for his third homer to trigger an eruption of joy in Cleveland's dugout and throughout Progressive Field.
“I'm so happy for him,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who was overcome with emotion during his postgame news conference. “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 paused to compose himself.
“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,” Vogt said, his eyes reddened by tears. “To see two teammates come together like that, that's powerful stuff.”
Manzardo said his trip around the bases was unforgettable.
“I floated a little bit,” he said. “I don’t remember all of it, honestly.”
It was Manzardo's third home run with Cleveland, all since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 1.
Their MLB-leading 40th come-from-behind win moved the Guardians 7 1/2 games ahead of the defending division champion Twins. It also reduced Cleveland's magic number for clinching a playoff berth to two.
Clase, the former Spokane Indian who has built a strong argument for Cy Young consideration, worked the ninth for his 33rd consecutive save and No. 46 this season, tying him with José Mesa (1995) for the club's single-season record.
Minnesota's division chances are essentially done, and every loss puts a possible wild-card spot in jeopardy. The Twins are in the third and final wild-card spot. 1.5 games ahead of the Detroit Tigers and two games ahead of the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners, four5 games back of the AL West-leading Houston Astros, begin a three-game series at home against the AL East-leading New York Yankees tonight.