Guardians secure ticket for MLB playoffs, outlast Twins and win 3-2 in extra innings

Related – Guardians playoff gear: How to get shirts and hats for Cleveland's run through October

The Guardians weren't exactly favorites to make the playoffs when the season began, but they've been atop the American League's Central Division for the past 23 weeks. They only held the top spot in the division for one day when they shared the top spot with Kansas City last month.

Led by new manager Stephen Vogt, Cleveland is the second team in the AL to clinch a playoff berth, joining the Yankees, who clinched their playoff spot late Wednesday in Seattle. This is the club's 17th playoff appearance in franchise history after not winning a World Series title since 1948.

Vogt said that until he saw Giménez's line drive hit the green turf, he didn't allow himself to get excited about reaching the postseason.

“We just embraced each other,” Vogt said. “Alby (coach Craig Albernaz) and what this group has been through. This is really special. The goal is to get in and then we'll keep going. Once you're in, you have a chance.”

Guardians rookie Joey Cantillo pitched until the fifth inning before turning the game over to the best bullpen in baseball. Cleveland's relievers threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, holding the Twins hitless and recording eight strikeouts.

Minnesota threatened to score in the 10th inning when Eli Morgan loaded the bases by hitting Matt Wallner with a pitch and issuing a walk to Manuel Margot. But Morgan retired Carlos Correa with a pop to first base in foul territory and escaped the inning when Byron Buxton sent a fly ball to Lane Thomas in right field for the final out. Morgan (3-0, 1.64) picked up his third win, while Thielbar (3-4, 5.65) lost for just the second time in his last 14 appearances.

1/13

Cantillo played brilliantly for four innings, but ran into trouble in the fifth when Kyle Farmer led off with a double and Willi Castro issued a walk, allowing Margot to hit a two-run double. Cantillo worked his way into the lead, but left a changeup in the middle of the plate, which Margot slammed into the left-center gap.

Thomas fielded the ball but couldn't get it to bounce cleanly, allowing Castro to run the ball all the way around and score to give the Twins a 2-1 lead. Nick Sandlin relieved Cantillo and walked Correa before throwing out Buxton and Carlos Santana to end the inning.

Cleveland tied the game in the sixth inning after loading the bases against Minnesota left-hander Cole Irvin. Base hits by Josh Naylor, Giménez and Jhonkensy Noel set the stage for an RBI sacrifice fly to center by Brayan Rocchio that tied the score at two runs.

Cantillo managed six strikeouts and three walks, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits. He allowed two runs in his third start since returning to the roster on Sept. 9 when Alex Cobb went on the injured list with blistered right hand. Since his return, Cantillo has thrown at least four scoreless innings in every game, including six perfect frames against the White Sox and 21 strikeouts and four walks in 16 innings.

Cantillo said Thursday's efforts showed courage.

“Everyone has said all year that everyone on this team loves each other and plays for each other,” Cantillo said. “It doesn't matter if you're down three, two or tied, this team is going to fight until the 27th.”

Rookie designated hitter Kyle Manzardo, batting second in Vogt's lineup for the first time this season, opened the scoring when he ripped a changeup from Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson into the seats in right for his fourth home run and second of the series. Manzardo added a one-out single in the third inning and a check-swing infield hit in the fifth inning, marking his fourth multi-hit game in 16 September appearances.

Manzardo entered Thursday's game with a .357 batting average (15-of-42), four home runs, seven RBIs and a 1.104 OPS in 16 games since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Sept. 1.

Next: The Guardians embark on their final three-game road trip of the regular season in St. Louis, beginning Friday at Busch Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. Right-hander Ben Lively (12-9, 3.87) will start for Cleveland, while right-hander Kyle Gibson (8-7, 4.11) will be on the mound for the Cardinals. The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Great Lakes, WTAM 1100 AM, WMMS 100.7 FM and the Guardians Radio Network.