Skip to content

Cleveland Guardians clinch playoff spot with 1-0 win over Red Sox

sportsSep 24, 202617203

The Cleveland Guardians clinched a playoff spot with a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox as Angel Martínez homered in the second inning and reliever Joey Cantillo threw five one-hit innings in bulk relief. Daniel Espino started and worked one inning before Cantillo (11-9) retired all but one batter and has now thrown 15 straight scoreless innings since leaving the rotation. All-Star closer Cade Smith struck out the side in the ninth for his major league-leading 41st save. Cleveland is guaranteed at least an American League wild card and holds a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central; the division winner is likely to earn the No. 2 seed and a bye into the Division Series. Boston starter Ranger Suarez (8-5) allowed one run over five innings as the Red Sox, who clinched a playoff spot earlier this week, try to firm up their seeding while leading Chicago by three games for the AL's second wild card. The Guardians list RHP Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.63 ERA) as the probable starter for Friday’s opener at Kansas City; Boston will host a doubleheader Friday against the Chicago Cubs with starters to be announced.

1 source