Guardians Stun Astros with Late-Inning Heroics!
HOUSTON – In a stunning turn of events, the Cleveland Guardians snapped their 10-game losing streak with a dramatic 10-6 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night. Angel Martínez delivered the decisive blow, a grand slam off Astros closer Josh Hader with two outs in the 10th inning.
The Guardians, who had struggled mightily coming into the series, secured their second consecutive win against the Astros. José Ramírez and Brayan Rocchio also contributed with home runs, adding to the offensive fireworks.
Hader's struggles began after a scoreless ninth inning. With a runner on second to start the 10th, he intentionally walked Ramírez and then walked Carlos Santana to load the bases. After a strikeout, Martínez stepped up and blasted a sinker 344 feet into the left-field seats, giving the Guardians a commanding lead.
Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase sealed the victory with a scoreless 10th inning, following a strong ninth inning from Jakob Junis, who earned the win. The Astros had tied the game in the eighth with an RBI single from Jose Altuve, who finished with two hits and four RBIs.
Astros starter Hunter Brown, who entered the game with an MLB-leading 1.82 ERA, had a rare off night, allowing six hits and a season-high six runs in six innings. Ramírez got the Guardians on the board early with a two-run homer in the first. Rocchio added to the lead with a double and a run scored in the third, while Daniel Schneemann drove in two more runs with a single.
The Guardians victory provides a much-needed boost as they look to climb back into contention.
Looking Ahead
- Keith Law of The Athletic projects the Guardians drafting RHP Anthony Eyanson out of LSU.
- The AL Playoff picture currently includes the Tigers, Astros, and Blue Jays, with the Yankees, Rays, and Mariners as Wild Card contenders.