The Cleveland Guardians have clinched a postseason spot after the Texas Rangers committed a late-game error.
Cleveland won the game on a walk-off hit-by-pitch to reach the MLB playoffs for the third time in four seasons.
With the game tied at 2-2 in the bottom of the night and two outs, Rangers pitcher Robert Garcia walked Cleveland right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez and gave up a single to designated hitter Kyle Manzardo to put runners on the corners.
Texas then intentionally walked shortstop Gabriel Arias to load the bases for first baseman CJ Kayfus.
After taking a first pitch strike, Garcia then threw a pitch high and inside that hit Kayfus on the arm and sent the runner from third home to win the game 3-2.
Fans at Progressive Field were rapturous as the Guardians secured a playoff spot with only one more game remaining in the season.
The Cleveland Guardians clinched the postseason after CJ Kayfus was hit by a pitch from Texas Rangers reliever Robert Garcia to bring home a run with the bases loaded
The Guardians are the last AL team in the playoffs, eliminating the Houston Astros
With this win, the American League playoff picture is relatively set – with the teams already determined, but division winners not yet secured.
There is a bright side for the Rangers, which may raise some suspicions for their biggest rivals.
By winning this game, the Guardians claimed the final playoff spot for the AL and eliminated the Rangers’ biggest rivals, the Houston Astros.
It’s the first time that Houston won’t be in the postseason since 2016.
Cleveland is now in the driver’s seat to win the American League Central crown for the second year in a row.
After holding a 0.0 percent chance of winning the division earlier this month, the Guardians have done well while the Detroit Tigers have suffered a devastating collapse.
Now, the Guardians can clinch the division with a win or a loss by the Tigers to the Boston Red Sox. Detroit, meanwhile, would have to win and have Cleveland lose to take the division.
