The Cleveland Guardians remained hot on Tuesday night in a 5-2 win over the Detroit Tigers to move into a tie atop the AL Central standings.
It was the latest example of a historic stretch for Cleveland after the team was 40-48 following a loss to the Tigers on July 6. Since then, the Guardians have been firing on all cylinders in their second-half push.
The Guardians were 15.5 games back on July 8, 10.5 games back on Sept. 1 and 9.5 games back on Sept. 10. Their late-season comeback is nothing short of miraculous, but it also speaks to the rapid decline from the Tigers, who have lost seven straight and 10 of their last 11.
As bad as the collapse from Detroit has been, the run the Guardians are on is nothing short of incredible and speaks to the tremendous success they have had since the All-Star Break. According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, the 11-game deficit the Guardians faced earlier this month is the largest deficit overcome to tie or take the lead in a division (1969-on) or league (1900-1968) (h/t Elias Sports).
The Guardians are playing at a historic pace
If the Guardians can finish the week out strong as AL Central champions, they would surpass the 1978 New York Yankees, who overcame a 14-game deficit, for the largest comeback since divisional play was created in 1969.
The Guardians rank outside the top 10 in runs per game and strikeouts per game, but they continue to find ways to win when it matters most. Pitcher Gavin Williams had a career night on Tuesday, going six innings strong and allowing four hits, two earned runs, a personal-best 12 strikeouts and only two walks.
Up 5-2 to begin the ninth, Cleveland finished strong with a 1-2-3 inning as reliever Cade Smith struck out Tigers left fielder Riley Greene and catcher Dillon Dingler in consecutive at-bats. A liner to third from third baseman Zach McKinstry ended the game and sent the Guardians faithful home happy once again.