MLBSep 25
Guardians clinch playoff berth, turn focus to AL Central finish
Cleveland beat Boston 1-0 to secure a third consecutive postseason appearance, but the division title remains unsettled heading into the final series.
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Martínez and Smith seal the clincher
The Cleveland Guardians secured their third straight playoff berth Thursday with a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Angel Martínez supplied the only run with a home run, and Cade Smith struck out the side in the ninth to finish the shutout. The All-Star closer recorded his MLB-leading 41st save as Cleveland improved to 14-8 in September with three games left. The Guardians have again used a strong final month to reach October. Last season, they went 20-8 in September on their way to a postseason berth. Manager Stephen Vogt expressed confidence in the combination of Cleveland’s recent offensive progress and strong pitching.
Adell gets his postseason opportunity
The celebration carried particular significance for Jo Adell, who is headed to the playoffs for the first time in his seven-year MLB career. Cleveland acquired the outfielder from the Los Angeles Angels before the trade deadline, when the Guardians were 57-56 and three games behind the Chicago White Sox. Adell has 22 home runs and 93 RBIs this season. Vogt highlighted the excitement of players experiencing a playoff chase and postseason qualification for the first time, with Adell’s celebration standing out.
Division title still in play
Cleveland enters its final series holding a one-game advantage over Chicago in the AL Central. The White Sox also secured a postseason spot Thursday, beating the Kansas City Royals 9-1. The Guardians finish with three games at Kansas City, while Chicago hosts the Colorado Rockies. The division winner will claim the No. 2 seed in the American League and bypass the best-of-three wild-card round, leaving Cleveland with a significant goal still ahead.
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