The Cleveland Guardians edged out the Minnesota Twins 6-4 in a tight contest. Rookie Travis Bazzana smashed his first major league home run, and Parker Messick delivered a strong start on the mound.
Jose Ramirez reached a milestone with his 1,700th career hit. Byron Buxton gave Minnesota a late spark, but Cleveland held on.
Bazzana’s first big league homer fuels Cleveland’s win
Travis Bazzana crushed a 427-foot homer off Connor Prielipp on a 1-1 slider. The ball landed in the Guardians’ bullpen in center with two outs and Jose Ramirez on base, giving Cleveland a late jolt.
Bazzana had come into the night with a 6-for-18 run since his April 28 recall, four RBIs, and an 0-for-12 start behind him. That blast felt like the kind of moment rookies dream about.
The Guardians leaned on their young starter and bullpen to protect the lead. Ramirez kept swinging a hot bat in the middle of the order.
Cleveland’s plan to let prospects grow into meaningful roles seems to be working, especially with the 2024 No. 1 overall pick showing he belongs. On nights like this, you can see the future taking shape.
Messick’s gem and Ramirez milestone
Parker Messick pitched 5 2/3 innings, gave up just one run, and struck out six to move to 4-0. Among rookies, he’s now tied for the lead with four wins, has 51 strikeouts, and holds a 2.30 ERA.
In the seventh, Ramirez notched his 1,700th hit with an RBI liner. That kept Cleveland’s offense rolling and showed the value of having a veteran presence around all these young players.
Buxton’s late surge and the Twins’ response
Byron Buxton sparked Minnesota’s comeback bid with three hits, including a two-run homer in the seventh that cut the Guardians’ lead to 4-3. His 12th homer in 22 games just keeps his power storyline rolling.
Connor Prielipp started for Minnesota and went five innings, allowing four runs (one earned) and striking out six. He flashed his potential but still has some things to iron out against lineups like Cleveland’s.
Late-game bullpen and notable team notes
The Guardians’ bullpen closed out the final frames with precision. Cade Smith locked down his MLB-leading 11th save, putting the finishing touch on a tense night.
Cleveland mixed and matched relievers behind Messick and got timely hits from its younger core. Nights like this make you wonder just how high this group can climb.
Key game stats you should know
- Travis Bazzana: first major league home run, a 427-foot shot off Connor Prielipp. It landed in the Guardians’ bullpen with two outs.
- Parker Messick: 5 2/3 innings, 1 run allowed, 6 strikeouts. He’s now 4-0.
- José RamÃrez: 1,700th career hit with an RBI liner in the seventh.
- Byron Buxton: 3-for-3, 2-run homer in the seventh. That’s his 12th HR in 22 games.
- Cade Smith: 11th save, MLB-leading.
- Connor Prielipp (MIN): 5 innings, 4 runs (1 earned), 6 strikeouts.
- Upcoming: Twins vs. Guardians, Joe Ryan vs. Tanner Bibee on Saturday.
Minnesota’s turning to Joe Ryan on Saturday, hoping he can outduel Cleveland’s Tanner Bibee. There’s a lot riding on this one, honestly—a game that might tilt the early AL Central race just a bit.
Here is the source article for this story: Travis Bazzana hits his first major league homer in the Guardians’ 6-4 win over the Twins
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