Andres Gimenez singled home Jose Ramirez from second base in the 10th inning as the Guardians clinched a playoff berth, beating the Twins 3-2 on Thursday.
CLEVELAND — Andres Gimenez singled home Jose Ramirez from second base in the 10th inning as the Cleveland Guardians clinched a playoff berth in dramatic, fitting fashion, beating the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Thursday.
With Ramirez on second as the automatic runner, Minnesota reliever Caleb Thielbar (2-4) struck out Josh Naylor and the Twins walked Lane Thomas intentionally to face Gimenez, who had three hits.
Cleveland’s second baseman then hit a 3-2 pitch into right to easily score Ramirez.
As the All-Star third baseman rounded third, Cleveland’s dugout emptied onto the field in celebration as the Guardians posted their MLB-leading 42nd comeback win and second straight in extra innings.
« That’s us », Gimenez said. « That’s the Cleveland Guardians. »
The Guardians are the second AL team to qualify for the postseason, following the New York Yankees, who locked up a spot Wednesday night.
Cleveland now has a chance to possibly end baseball’s longest active World Series championship drought, dating to 1948 when the team was known as the Indians.
« The goal is to get in », said first-year manager Stephen Vogt. « You get in, you have a chance. »
The Twins threatened in the 10th, loading the bases with one out against Eli Morgan (3-0).
