Twins 4-1 Guardians (September 17, 2024) Match Summary

CLEVELAND — Willi Castro hit a two-run home run, Matt Wallner had two RBIs and the Minnesota Twins rebounded from a crushing loss in Game 1 of the Series to beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 on Tuesday night and maintain a spot in the final AL wild card.

Castro scored in the eighth inning and both of Wallner's RBI singles came from Gavin Williams (3-10), who has just one win in his last seven starts.

The Twins entered the race with a 1 1/2 game lead over Detroit for the final playoff spot and, with a solid defense, strong reserve players and Castro's big swing, were able to defend it on a night after blowing a 3-0 lead on Monday.

“The energy was good. The last few games have been tough for us,” said Castro, who hit a home run for the first time since Aug. 24. “We have to keep it up.”

Lane Thomas hit a home run for the Guardians, who are leading the AL Central and moving closer to the postseason and can still clinch a berth on Wednesday.

Cleveland clinched its 40th comeback win on Monday with a storming comeback against the Twins, leading the MLB.

Minnesota was able to hold on this time, but not before the Guardians made it exciting.

They had the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth inning before manager Rocco Baldelli, who had to patch together the final four innings after taking rookie Zebby Matthews off the field in the fifth inning, brought in Griffin Jax.

The right-hander, who allowed rookie Kyle Manzardo's leadoff home run in the eighth inning on Monday, struck out pinch hitter David Fry and allowed an infield single before taking Bo Naylor out of the game with a dribble for his ninth save.

When it was over, there was a collective sigh of relief from Minnesota’s dugout.

“Great win for our whole team,” Baldelli said. “Everywhere you looked – in the dugout, out in the bullpen – everyone contributed in their own way. There's a lot to clap and talk about.”

Cole Sands (9-1) earned the win in one inning as the Twins ended a five-game losing streak in Cleveland.

Baldelli was especially pleased with Matthews, who allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings and needed only one out to win.

“I think we need to reevaluate what a win is, because that should be a win,” Baldelli said. “He pitched great.”

Trailing 1-2, the Guardians got going in the seventh inning when Manzardo singled to lead off the game.

But pinch-runner Myles Straw, making his season debut after being optioned from Triple-A Columbus before the game that placed All-Star Steven Kwan on the injured list, was intercepted by Ronny Henriquez at first.

Initially, Straw was declared safe. But Baldelli contested the decision, and when the decision was overturned, Straw had to jog back to the dugout in humiliation.

“I knew it was close,” Straw said. “I wasn't sure if I was going to be out or safe. When he declared me safe, I was pretty grateful. But then of course Rocco challenged the play and it got overturned, which was pretty crappy.”

TRAINING ROOM

Twins: OF Max Kepler, out with tendinitis in his knee, received a cortisone shot in his left hip after experiencing discomfort. Kepler has responded to treatment and could begin rehab this weekend. … SS Carlos Correa got the evening off as the club monitors his workload after recently returning from a 51-game stint on the injured list because of plantar fasciitis.

Guardians: Manager Stephen Vogt said RHP Alex Cobb (finger blister) has been playing catcher as he continues to work on his comeback. The 36-year-old is on the injured list for the second time since being acquired from the Giants at the trade deadline.

Next

Guardians RHP Tanner Bibee (11-8, 3.60 ERA), who has won just once in his last five starts, looks to move Cleveland closer to the playoffs in a matchup against Twins RHP Bailey Ober (12-7, 3.90 ERA) on Wednesday.

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