CLEVELAND, Ohio — Despite suffering a 7-3 setback in their series opener against Texas, the Guardians have a chance Saturday to clinch their 15th postseason appearance since 1995.
Houston’s 4-3 loss to the Angels late Friday dropped Cleveland’s magic number to clinch at least a wild card spot to 1. If the Guardians beat the Rangers on Saturday night or the Astros fall in Los Angeles, Cleveland’s ticket is punched.
The Guardians also crept closer to a 13th American League Central Division title with Detroit’s walk-off loss in Boston earlier in the evening. Cedanne Rafaela’s RBI triple in the bottom of the ninth allowed the Red Sox to lock up the No. 2 wild card seed.
Clinching scenarios with two games remaining for each team:
Guardians (86-74; T-1st in AL Central)Win 2: Guaranteed AL Central champions. Would host No. 3 wild card starting Tuesday.Split 1-1: At least guaranteed No. 3 wild card. Could win division with a Detroit loss.Lose 2: Would need a loss by Houston or two losses by Detroit to guarantee a playoff spot. Would win division if Detroit goes 0-2. Would miss playoffs if Houston goes 2-0.Tigers (86-74; T-1st in AL Central; 3rd in AL Wild Card)Win 2: Guaranteed at least the No. 3 wild card spot. Would win division and host wild card if Cleveland loses at least one. Split 1-1: Clinch at least a wild card spot. Would be division champions if Cleveland goes 0-2Lose 2: Would need a loss by Houston to guarantee a playoff spot.Astros (85-75, 1 game behind DET for 3rd AL Wild Card)Win 2: Would need either Cleveland or Detroit to go 0-2 in order to reach postseason.Split 1-1: Eliminated from playoffs.Lose 2: Eliminated from playoffs.Cleveland can clinch tonight if …
The Guardians are in with a win. They can celebrate a 15th playoff appearance in the last 30 years with a victory against Texas or a Houston loss later to the Angels.
A Detroit loss in Boston would give the Guards a chance to clinch the division title with a win against the Rangers.
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