09/24/26 08:44:00
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09/24 20:43 CDT Guardians clinch a playoff spot again, edging the Red Sox 1-0
on Martnez homer
Guardians clinch a playoff spot again, edging the Red Sox 1-0 on Martnez homer
By BRENDAN McGAIR
Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) --- Angel Martnez homered and Joey Cantillo threw five one-hit
innings in a bulk relief role as the Cleveland Guardians clinched a playoff
spot for the third straight year with a 1-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on
Thursday night.
Cleveland is guaranteed at least an American League wild card and retains a
one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. The division winner
is likely to earn the No. 2 seed and a bye into the Division Series.
Chicago has the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Cleveland starter Daniel Espino threw one inning before giving way to Cantillo
(11-9), who allowed one hit with four strikeouts. He's now thrown 15 straight
scoreless innings since being removed from the rotation.
Martnez hit his 18th homer of the season in the second inning. All-Star closer
Cade Smith struck out the side in the ninth for his major league-leading 41st
save.
While the Red Sox clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive season
earlier this week, they are still looking to firm up their seed. Boston leads
Chicago by three games for the AL's second wild card, which would be the No. 5
seed and travel to face No. 4 New York in the best-of-three series.
Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez (8-5) gave up one run over five innings with five
strikeouts. Boston had two hits and was shut out for the eighth time this
season.
Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela returned to the lineup one night after
leaving Wednesday's game with right hamstring tightness.
Up next
Guardians: RHP Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.63 ERA) is listed as the probable
starter as Cleveland opens a three-game series in Kansas City on Friday.
Red Sox: Host the Chicago Cubs for a doubleheader on Friday. The Sox had not
named a starter for either game.
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