Guardians rally in 10th for thrilling 5-4 win over Twins

On Wednesday night, the Cleveland Guardians secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins in the 10th inning, significantly impacting their playoff aspirations. Brayan Rocchio delivered the game-winning single, bringing home Andrés Giménez, as the Guardians rallied for three runs in the extra frame. This win reduced their magic number for clinching a playoff berth to just one, solidifying their position as the leaders in the AL Central by 5.5 games over Kansas City. Josh Naylor played a pivotal role in the game, hitting two solo home runs and scoring three times, marking his first 30-homer season. His first home run was a powerful 445-foot shot to right-center. Meanwhile, Carlos Correa of the Twins contributed significantly with a two-run single that initially gave Minnesota a 4-2 lead in the top of the 10th, extending his hitting streak to 16 games. The pitching matchup featured Guardians starter Tanner Bibee, who performed well, allowing only two runs over 6 2/3 innings. In contrast, Twins right-hander Bailey Ober struck out a career-high 12 batters but remained winless in his last seven starts. The game showcased the competitive nature of both teams as they vie for playoff positions, with the Twins holding a slim lead for the final AL wild-card spot. In terms of injuries, the Twins' Trevor Larnach has been serving as the designated hitter due to a hamstring issue but is expected to return to left field before the postseason. The Guardians are also monitoring RHP Alex Cobb, who is recovering from a blister and may return soon, adding depth to their pitching staff as they approach the playoffs.