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1h ago

Guardians Clinch Postseason on Walk-Off Hit-by-Pitch as AL Central Goes to Final Day

Cleveland holds the head-to-head edge over Detroit, making a Sunday win enough to claim the division.

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Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Joey Cantillo delivers against the Texas Rangers during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Phil Long)
Sep 27, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; The Cleveland Guardians pose for a photo after they beat the Texas Rangers to secure a playoff berth at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Overview

  • C.J. Kayfus was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the ninth, scoring pinch-runner Petey Halpin for a 3-2 win over Texas at Progressive Field.
  • The victory eliminated the Houston Astros from playoff contention and guaranteed Cleveland at least a wild-card berth.
  • Cleveland and Detroit enter the finale tied, with the Guardians owning the season-series tiebreaker 8-5; a Cleveland win or a Tigers loss would secure the AL Central.
  • A crucial eighth-inning defensive sequence featuring Austin Hedges and Brayan Rocchio cut down a runner at the plate and preserved the tie.
  • The berth completes a rebound from 15.5 games back in July, fueled by a September surge and deep pitching; Stephen Vogt said Sunday’s starting pitcher hinges on the team’s postseason positioning.