Cleveland continued its recent surge, edging the Miami Marlins 4-3 as José Ramírez powered the Guardians with a two-homer night that vaulted him into franchise history. Ramírez, who reached three hits, delivered a solo shot to end an 0-for-12 stretch in the first inning and capped the comeback with a go-ahead drive to right in the eighth, his 27th multihomer game and the most in Guardians history. It was his second multihomer game of the season.
The Guardians also got a homer from Kyle Manzardo in the first, making it back-to-back long balls for Cleveland and marking the seventh time this season the team has achieved that feat. Manzardo’s blast came as part of an early 2-0 lead, a momentum boost that Manzardo has carried into two consecutive games, with three homers in two days.
Cade Smith earned the win by throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief (5-4), while the Marlins tied the game in the fifth. Dane Myers started the rally with an RBI single to left-center, and Otto Lopez scored on a throwing error by Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan, advancing Myers to third. Heriberto Hernández followed with a double down the left-field line to push Miami even.
A pivotal moment came in the sixth when Eric Wagaman tried to score from second on Agustín Ramírez’s base hit, but a standout throw from Kwan and Bo Naylor’s tag at the plate kept the game within reach for Cleveland. Kwan’s defensive wizardry continued, collecting MLB-leading 11th outfield assist of the season.
Up next, Cleveland will send right-hander Gavin Williams (7-4, 3.17 ERA) for his first look since he was two outs away from a no-hitter on Aug. 6 against the Mets. Miami countered with right-hander Eury Pérez (4-3, 3.25 ERA).
What to watch next: Cleveland’s offense is clicking, led by Ramírez’s surge and Manzardo’s power, as the Guardians look to build on a six-win in seven-game stretch. Ramírez’s leadership and balance at the plate, along with timely defense, continue to be a driving force for a club aiming for consistency as the pennant race heats up.
Summary: Ramírez’s two-homer night, including the crucial eighth-inning blast, powered Cleveland past Miami while Manzardo contributed. The Guardians extended their strong run, highlighting a balanced attack, clutch defense, and a bullpen that produced the win. A positive note for Cleveland as they head into the next series.