Guardians rally past Angels 8-6 in 10 as Ramírez drives in five
Source: Los Angeles Times Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Cleveland, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians have made a habit of finding ways to win during their torrid August stretch. Tuesday night, they found a way to storm back from a five-run hole against the Los Angeles Angels, pulling out an 8-6 victory in 10 innings at Progressive Field.
José Ramírez was the engine of the comeback, driving in five runs with three doubles. Steven Kwan added five singles, becoming the first Guardians player to record five hits in a game since José Ramírez did it in 2022. The win extended Cleveland's winning streak to eight games, further solidifying their hold on an American League wild-card spot.
The Angels jumped out to a 5-0 lead by the third inning, chasing Guardians starter Triston McKenzie early. McKenzie lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits, including a two-run double by Taylor Ward and a solo home run by Luis Rengifo. Los Angeles starter Griffin Canning was sharp through four innings, holding the Guardians to one run on three hits.
But Cleveland began chipping away in the fifth. Ramírez doubled to the left-center gap, scoring Kwan and Josh Naylor to cut the deficit to 5-3. Two innings later, Ramírez struck again, lacing an RBI double to left that brought the Guardians within one run. A sacrifice fly by Bo Naylor tied the game in the eighth, setting the stage for extra innings.
In the top of the 10th, Angels reliever Carlos Estévez walked the automatic runner, then allowed a single to Kwan. Ramírez stepped to the plate with one out and drilled his third double of the night into the right-field corner, plating both runners for the decisive lead. Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase worked a perfect bottom of the 10th for his 30th save.
Kwan's five-hit performance was a masterclass in contact hitting. Every one of his hits was a single, and he reached base in all six plate appearances. He also scored twice and stole a base. The 24-year-old left fielder is now hitting .321 on the season.
Ramírez, the Guardians' perennial MVP candidate, finished 3-for-5 with three doubles and five RBIs. His season totals now include 32 doubles and 95 RBIs. He has driven in at least one run in 11 of his last 14 games.
Angels manager Ron Washington lamented missed opportunities after the game. His team had a 5-0 lead and a chance to bury the Guardians early, but a combination of missed defensive plays and bullpen inefficiency allowed Cleveland back into the game. Reliever Adam Cimber took the loss after allowing both inherited runners to score in the 10th.
Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt praised his team's resilience. The Guardians have now won 12 of their last 14 games, climbing into the thick of the playoff race. With Ramírez and Kwan leading the way, the lineup has become one of the most dangerous in the league.
The two teams will play the rubber match of the three-game series on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET.
Article commentary
The Cleveland Guardians' 8-6 comeback win over the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night was more than just another tally in the win column—it was a showcase of the kind of relentless, contact-driven offense that has defined the team's recent surge. José Ramírez, once again, proved why he remains one of the most complete hitters in the game. His three doubles were not just powerful; they were surgical, placed perfectly in the gaps. Steven Kwan's five singles, meanwhile, highlighted a disciplined approach that puts pressure on opposing defenses. From a tactical perspective, the game illustrated the fragility of early leads in modern baseball. The Angels jumped ahead 5-0, but their inability to add on runs allowed the Guardians to slowly chip away. Cleveland's patience at the plate—forcing 30 pitches per inning from the Angels' bullpen—turned the tide. The Guardians' offense is not built on home runs; they rely on singles, doubles, and smart baserunning. This style is particularly effective in high-leverage situations, as it keeps the line moving and puts pressure on relievers to execute in the strike zone. For the Angels, the loss continues a troubling trend. Their bullpen posted a 5.12 ERA in August entering Tuesday night, and the unit blew another lead. Griffin Canning was effective early, but the Guardians adjusted to his fastball-heavy approach in the later innings. The Angels' defense also let them down, with a misplay in the outfield contributing to a key Guardians rally. Los Angeles has now lost seven of their last 10 games, and their playoff hopes are fading fast. One of the more striking aspects of Cleveland's run is the consistency of their lineup. Ramírez, Kwan, and Josh Naylor have formed a fearsome core. The Guardians have the best record in the American League since July 1, and their ability to win close games in extra innings speaks to their mental toughness. Manager Stephen Vogt has instilled a belief that no lead is safe against his team. However, there are concerns. The Guardians' starting pitching depth remains thin. Triston McKenzie was knocked out early, and the bullpen had to cover 7 2/3 innings. That kind of workload is unsustainable over a full season. The team will need better outings from its rotation to maintain this pace. Still, for now, the Guardians are playing with confidence and a clear identity—tight defense, relentless baserunning, and a lineup that grinds down opposing pitching staffs. On the other side, the Angels face a critical offseason. The team's roster construction has left them relying on a volatile bullpen and an inconsistent offense outside of a few stars. The development of young players like Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel will be key, but the immediate future looks bleak. Tuesday's loss was a microcosm of their season: flashes of brilliance followed by a collapse. In the end, this game underscores a fundamental truth about baseball: momentum is fragile, but resilience can carry a team far. The Guardians are proving that every night.