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Guardians Clinch a Playoff Spot Again, Edging the Red Sox 1-0 on Martínez Homer
Angel Martínez hit the lone run and Joey Cantillo allowed one hit as Cleveland secured its third straight postseason berth.
On Thursday, the Cleveland Guardians clinched their third straight playoff berth with a 1-0 win over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Manager Stephen Vogt guided the team to the postseason in all three of his seasons.
Cleveland's pitching staff dominated, starting with Daniel Espino's perfect first inning and continuing with Joey Cantillo, who allowed one hit over five scoreless innings. All-Star closer Cade Smith earned his league-leading 41st save.
Angel Martínez provided the game's only run with his 18th homer of the season, a 319-foot shot tucked inside the Pesky Pole. The Red Sox recorded only two hits in their eighth shutout loss this season.
Following the win, Cleveland improved to 83-76, maintaining a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central. The team locks up at least the No. 6 seed.
As Cleveland prepares for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals starting Friday, the team aims for the division title. Wild Card Series games begin September 29, with the Division Series following October 3.