CLEVELAND – In a thrilling comeback, the Cleveland Guardians overcame a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4 on Wednesday night. Angel Martínez played a pivotal role in the victory, hitting a three-run home run that shifted the momentum in favor of the Guardians and capped a five-run eighth inning rally.
The Dodgers initially took control of the game, with Clayton Kershaw, a three-time NL Cy Young Award winner, pitching well through five innings but ultimately missing out on achieving his 213th career win. Kershaw allowed just one run while striking out three batters in their third outing following knee and toe surgery. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, the tide turned in the latter part of the game when Lou Trivino surrendered a key RBI single to Carlos Santana in the seventh inning.
Nolan Jones’ two-run single in the eighth tied the game, setting the stage for Martínez’s powerful 394-foot shot against Alex Vesia. The Guardians’ offensive surge came after Kershaw exited the game, as they compiled five runs off Trivino and Tanner Scott over just a couple of innings.
José Ramírez continued his impressive form, extending his hitting streak to 21 games with an RBI single in the first inning, placing him in eighth place on the all-time hits list for the Guardians with 1,564 hits. Carlos Santana was another standout performer with a 3-for-4 night at the plate.
For the Dodgers, Will Smith, Andy Pages, and Freddie Freeman contributed runs, while Kiké Hernández scored on a wild pitch, showcasing the team’s early offensive efforts. However, despite the initial lead, they were unable to withstand the Guardians’ late-game explosion.
Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan had to leave the game early due to right wrist inflammation, raising some concerns for the team’s lineup moving forward. Looking ahead, the Guardians are set to host the Los Angeles Angels with RHP Luis Ortiz on the mound, while the Dodgers will begin a homestand against the New York Yankees with RHP Tony Gonsolin taking the start.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of baseball, where a team’s fortunes can shift rapidly. The Guardians demonstrated resilience and determination, showcasing their potential for strong performances as they strive to build momentum in the season.