The Cleveland Guardians have officially secured a spot in the 2024 postseason following a 3-2 extra-innings win over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Andrés Giménez delivered a walk-off RBI single to right field, marking Cleveland’s second consecutive extra-innings victory against Minnesota.
“I like those moments,” Giménez said, reflecting on his game-winning hit as reported by Bally Sports Cleveland.
This postseason berth makes the Guardians one of three teams so far to clinch a playoff spot, joining the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers.
Under the leadership of first-year manager Stephen Vogt, Cleveland has improved offensively while maintaining its strong pitching. Vogt, who retired as a player after the 2022 season, is only the fifth manager in Major League Baseball history to guide his team to the postseason within two years of playing, according to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
“Today makes it all worth it – and we’re not even close to being done yet,” Vogt commented during the team’s clubhouse celebration.
Currently leading the AL Central, the Guardians hold a 6.5-game advantage over the Kansas City Royals with eight games left in the regular season. They are still working to secure the division title and a higher playoff seed.
