Guardians Sweep Pirates in Thrilling Extra-Inning Victory
PITTSBURGH — The Cleveland Guardians completed a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a dramatic 5-4 win in 10 innings on Sunday, fueled by clutch hitting from Steven Kwan and Kyle Manzardo.
Kwan and Manzardo each launched two-run homers, with Manzardo adding a game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th to secure the victory. The Guardians’ late-game resilience was tested when Pittsburgh rallied for three runs in the ninth off closer Emmanuel Clase, but Cleveland held on to extend their winning streak.
Key Moments
- Kwan’s Early Impact: The Guardians took an early lead when Kwan smashed a two-run homer down the right-field line in the third inning, his fourth of the season.
- Manzardo’s Power Surge: Manzardo homered for the second straight game in the seventh, driving in José Ramírez to extend Cleveland’s lead.
- Pirates’ Late Rally: Pittsburgh tied the game in the ninth with Adam Frazier’s two-run double and Ke’Bryan Hayes’ RBI single before Clase escaped further damage.
- 10th-Inning Heroics: Manzardo’s sacrifice fly in the 10th brought home Jhonkensy Noel for the decisive run, while reliever Joey Cantillo closed the door for his first career save.
Standout Performances
- Steven Kwan: The leadoff hitter now leads the team with 14 RBIs after his early homer.
- Kyle Manzardo: His two-run blast and game-winning sac fly pushed his RBI total to a team-high 15.
- Bo Naylor: In Friday’s 10-7 win, Naylor shined with a solo homer and a two-run double.
What’s Next?
The Guardians (17-9) return home to face the New York Yankees on Monday, with right-hander Gavin Williams (1-1, 4.58 ERA) taking the mound. Meanwhile, the Pirates (8-15) head west for a six-game road trip, starting Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels.
Final Thought: Cleveland’s ability to respond under pressure—especially after Pittsburgh’s late rally—highlights their resilience early in the season. With key contributors stepping up, the Guardians are proving to be a tough opponent in tight games.
— Reported by Nexio News
