Series Review: The kid’s are alright – The Cleveland Guardians clinch AL Central Title

The Cleveland Guardians have clinched the AL Central by sweeping the Texas Rangers.

The Cleveland Guardians have clinched the American League Central by defeating the Texas Rangers on Sunday and sweeping the series. The Guardians are 86-67 so far on the season and are 18-3 in their last 21 games. This proves once again that Terry Francona-led teams are always best in the second half of the season.

The team is 19 games over .500 and has eight games left on the schedule. three against the Tampa Bay Rays and five against the Kansas City Royales. The Guards will likely sit a lot of guys once they clinch the Central, and will try to give the bullpen a breather, but it’s very likely this team hits 90+ wins on the year.

Even if the White Sox win, the best they can do is tie the Guardians. The Guards have a nine-game lead on the Sox, and with nine games left for the White Sox, it’s possible the team can in fact tie the Guardians record-wise, but since the Guards hold the tiebreaker, the White Sox can’t win the division.

We’ll talk more about the team and why winning the AL Central matters but for now, let’s celebrate your AL Central winners, the Cleveland Guardians.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Texas Rangers Series Review

Game 1 – Guardians Win (6-3)

Another game where the Cleveland Guardians were behind, another game where they came storming back by dropping five RBI in the 6th. Rookie Cody Morris continues to impress while making a case for a spot on the roster for the playoffs.

Game 2 – Guardians Win (4-2)

It’s a day that ends in “Y” so that means another Guardians comeback. Heading into the 5th, the Guards were down by one, but once again the team ruins another lead with a thousand little singles, putting up four runs in five innings of play. Cal Quantrill pitched a great game and Oscar Gonzalez continues to be the better pure hitter the team has currently with two solo home runs.

Game 3 – Guardians Win (10-4*)

Steven Kwan had a huge five RBI game, helping propel the Guardians to their best offensive output of the franchise. Aaron Civale had one of his best outings of the season on top of that, striking out seven, and holding the Rangers down with a stellar start.

Series Standouts

Oscar Gonzalez

4-12, 2 HRs, 4 RBI, 4 Runs

Andres Gimenez

3-7, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 Runs

Sam Hentges

1.1 IP, 2 Ks

Emmanuel Clase

2.0 IP, 1 K, 3 Hits, 1 HR, 1 Run