Rocchio Concludes the Season with a Decisive Home Run for the Guardians
In a climactic moment for the Cleveland Guardians, Brayan Rocchio hit a home run that sealed the victory and secured the American League Central Division title. Even though the Guardians had already secured their thirteenth divisional title, the team did not settle for a tie and sought to secure the victory decisively. After overcoming a two-run deficit, they forced extra innings. Although Rowdy Tellez, a Rangers pinch hitter, hit a three-run home run in the tenth inning, the Guardians responded with a double by Bo Naylor and Rocchio’s three-run home run, which hit the foul pole, giving the team the victory with a score of 9-8.Rocchio has been a symbol of the Guardians’ recovery in the second half of the season, especially after being 15 and a half games behind Detroit in early July. After being called up from Triple-A, Rocchio not only regained his batting rhythm, but also performed at second base. His .257 batting average in the last three months of the season was second-best on the team, only surpassed by José Ramírez (.258). Rocchio also ranked third on the team in RBIs (36) and doubles (15).“It’s incredible. Not only for the home run and the decisive play, but for knowing that we were going to win the division the right way. We knew we had to win the game, that was very important for us,” Rocchio said through an interpreter in the celebratory locker room.
Brayan Rocchio
The Guardians will look for Rocchio to provide the same offensive boost he demonstrated in last year’s postseason. The 24-year-old Venezuelan infielder had an outstanding performance in 10 games, including a streak of eight consecutive games hitting. The Guardians and the Tigers will face off in the playoffs for the second consecutive season, this time in a best-of-three Wild Card Series, which will begin Tuesday afternoon in Cleveland. Cleveland has achieved the biggest comeback to win a division or league championship in Major League history, and also produced the biggest comeback in September. On September 4, the Guardians were 11 games behind the Tigers before going on a 15-1 run, including a three-game sweep in Detroit. This is Cleveland’s thirteenth American League Central Division title, but the first time they have won two consecutive titles since 2016-18.“He has been one of our best hitters since he returned. And for him to hit that decisive home run is very emblematic of our season,” said manager Stephen Vogt.
Stephen Vogt
“Obviously, yesterday was special to reach the playoffs, but to finish the job in a division where we were almost mathematically eliminated, for that to happen was quite special,” said catcher Austin Hedges.
Austin Hedges
