Steven Kwan’s Ninth-Inning Heroics Lift Cleveland Guardians Over Tampa Bay Rays 3-2, Boost Wild Card Hopes

Saturday, September 6th, 2025

Cleveland Guardians Edge Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 in MLB Thriller

The Cleveland Guardians secured a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on September 6, 2025, thanks to a clutch infield single from Steven Kwan in the ninth inning that drove in the go-ahead run. This win marked the Guardians' second straight triumph and clinched the season series against Tampa Bay.

Guardians Move Ahead in the Wild-Card Race

With this victory, Cleveland moved a full game ahead of the Rays in the tightly contested American League wild-card race and closed to just 1 1/2 games behind Seattle, the holders of the final playoff spot. The outcome has significant playoff implications as the 2025 MLB season heads into its final stretch.

Pitching Performances Shine

Reliever Hunter Gaddis was credited with the win after delivering a scoreless eighth inning, improving his record to 2-2. Cade Smith followed up by securing his 10th save of the season by shutting down the Rays in the ninth.

On the other side, Tampa Bay's closer Pete Fairbanks took the loss after giving up the deciding run in the ninth inning. Starter Shane Baz was effective early, extending his scoreless inning streak to 14 before running into trouble in the fourth. He pitched five innings, allowing two runs on five hits, walking one, and striking out eight.

Offensive Highlights

Daniel Schneemann delivered a pivotal moment for the Guardians in the fourth inning with a two-run double. For the Rays, Josh Lowe launched his 10th homer of the season in the fifth, cutting the Guardians' lead in half. In the sixth, Tristan Gray doubled and later scored the tying run on Yandy Díaz’s fielder's choice, leveling the score at 2-2.

For the Guardians, starting pitcher Tanner Bibee rebounded from previous struggles, holding Tampa Bay to two runs over 6 2/3 innings. He gave up six hits, walked three, and struck out five.

Key Moment: Guardians Defuse Rays Rally

In a crucial play in the seventh inning, Tampa Bay's Jake Mangum tried to steal home with the bases loaded but was tagged out to end the inning, preserving the 2-2 tie at that moment and shifting the momentum back to Cleveland.

Key Stat: Ramírez Makes Franchise History

José Ramírez stole his 37th base of the season, moving him past Omar Vizquel for second place in Cleveland franchise history. Ramírez now has 280 career stolen bases, trailing only the legendary Kenny Lofton (452).

Looking Ahead

The series finale is set for Sunday, with Guardians left-hander Parker Messick (1-0, 2.08 ERA) scheduled to start against Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen (10-5, 2.74 ERA).

In summary

The Cleveland Guardians secured a crucial 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays, powered by Steven Kwan’s late-game heroics and strong performances from both the lineup and bullpen. The outcome positions the Guardians advantageously in the AL wild-card race ahead of Tampa Bay and keeps their postseason hopes alive as the season winds down. Key contributions from Daniel Schneemann, José Ramírez, and standout pitching from Tanner Bibee highlight Cleveland's resilient showing in this pivotal MLB matchup.

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