Cleveland Guardians Surge in AL Wild Card and Central Race After Game 1 Win

The Cleveland Guardians extended their winning streak to nine games on Saturday, Sept. 20. They beat the Minnesota Twins 6-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. Cleveland hit a season-high five home runs to secure the win. The team is now just one game back of the final American League wild card spot. They are also within 1.5 games of the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

The Guardians are playing their best baseball at the right time. They swept Detroit earlier in the week and carried that momentum into Minnesota. Detroit’s struggles have also opened the door, as the Tigers lost their fifth straight on Saturday. Cleveland now sits at 83-71, while Detroit is 85-70.

Cleveland Guardians Standings Update

The wild card race remains tight. As of 4:25 p.m. Saturday, the New York Yankees (86-68) hold the top spot. The Houston Astros (84-70) and Boston Red Sox (84-70) are tied for the other two slots. Cleveland trails them by just one game. The Texas Rangers (79-75) are five games back and fading from contention.

In the AL Central, the Tigers still lead at 85-70. The Guardians are closing in fast with their 83-71 record. Detroit’s recent collapse has left the division wide open. The Braves’ 6-5 win over the Tigers on Saturday added more pressure to Detroit’s slide.

Cleveland’s win streak includes 14 wins in 15 games this month. This late push has brought them back into both division and playoff contention. Their current form makes them one of the hottest teams in baseball. According to AP reports, their run support and pitching depth have been key factors.

What Comes Next for the Guardians

The Guardians finish their series with Minnesota on Sunday, Sept. 21. A doubleheader sweep Saturday could set up a division-shaking weekend. Cleveland then returns home for three games against Detroit starting Tuesday. That series may decide the Central title.

Cleveland also faces the Texas Rangers in a three-game set to close the season. Both teams remain in the playoff picture. Wins in those games could secure either a wild card berth or the division crown. The stakes are high, and the Guardians have given themselves a real chance.

The Cleveland Guardians have turned September into a statement month. Their winning streak and clutch hitting have put them firmly in the playoff race. The next week will decide if they claim a wild card spot or even the AL Central title.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Where do the Cleveland Guardians sit in the AL wild card standings?

The Guardians are one game back of the final wild card spot. They trail the Astros and Red Sox, who are tied at 84-70.

Q2: How close are the Guardians to first place in the AL Central?

Cleveland is 1.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers. Detroit has lost five straight, which helped the Guardians close the gap.

Q3: What is the Guardians’ record after Game 1 on Saturday?

The Guardians are 83-71 after winning 6-0 in Minnesota. They have won nine games in a row and 14 of their last 15.

Q4: Who are the other AL wild card contenders?

The Yankees lead with 86 wins. The Astros and Red Sox are tied with 84 wins each. The Rangers sit five games back at 79-75.

Q5: What games remain for the Guardians this season?

Cleveland plays one more against the Twins, then three against Detroit, and three against Texas to end the season.