BOSTON — Angel Martínez hit his 18th home run of the season and relief pitcher Joey Cantillo delivered five one-hit innings on Thursday night, lifting the Cleveland Guardians to a 1-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox to clinch a postseason berth for the third consecutive year.
The narrow win guarantees Cleveland at least an American League wild card spot. The Guardians hold a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central division standings, with the division winner expected to claim the No. 2 seed and an automatic bye into the Division Series. Chicago holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over Cleveland.
Guardians starting pitcher Daniel Espino worked the first inning before handing the ball to Cantillo. The bulk reliever improved his record to 11-9, yielding just one hit and striking out four batters. Cantillo has now tossed 15 consecutive scoreless innings since his removal from the starting rotation.
Martínez provided all the offense Cleveland needed in the second inning, driving a solo home run off Boston starting pitcher Ranger Suárez. Suárez pitched five innings, allowing one run with five strikeouts to finish 8-5 on the season. Boston’s offense was held to just two hits overall, suffering its eighth shutout loss of the year.
In the ninth inning, All-Star closer Cade Smith struck out the side to secure his major league-leading 41st save of the season.
The Red Sox secured their own playoff berth earlier in the week for the second straight season, though Boston continues jockeying for final seeding. The Red Sox hold a three-game lead over Chicago for the American League’s second wild card spot, which carries the No. 5 seed and a trip to face the No. 4 seed New York in a best-of-three series. Center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela returned to Boston’s starting lineup after leaving Wednesday’s game due to right hamstring tightness.
Looking ahead, the Guardians travel to open a three-game series against Kansas City on Friday, with right-hander Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.63 ERA) listed as the probable starting pitcher. Meanwhile, the Red Sox remain at home to host the Chicago Cubs in a Friday doubleheader. Boston announced left-hander Alec Gamboa (1-0, 1.16 ERA) as the starter for the opening game, with right-hander Brayan Bello (6-7, 4.49 ERA) tentatively slated for Game 2.
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